On average, a South Surrey home was broken into every day in November.
The statistic was shared by Surrey RCMP in an effort to encourage residents to do “everything they can” to prevent becoming victims.
“The first three weeks, we saw exactly 21,” Cpl. Bert Paquet said Monday. “What was consistent was the way they would enter.”
According to the most recent crime-analysis report, the majority of residential break-and-enters involved unsecured premises or the use of garage-door openers. Items taken included jewelry and electronics.
While the incidence has tapered off – and an arrest announced – Paquet said it’s believed one or more perpetrators remain at large.
“There’s still some (break-ins) that haven’t been linked to a subject of interest,” he said. “It warranted us to issue some kind of warning.”
Last Wednesday, police announced 21 charges against a Surrey man in connection with a three-day spree of break-ins and vehicle thefts that occurred in South Surrey and Cloverdale Nov. 24-26. Curtis Anderson is due back in Surrey Provincial Court on Thursday.
Paquet said simple steps, such as locking doors and windows, can go a long way to deterring thieves, who are typically looking for easy targets. In the majority of the November cases, culprits did not actually have to break anything to gain access, he said.
For homes, he said residents could consider installing a security system if they plan to be away for days. For vehicles, he recommends removing valuables and using an anti-theft device.
“Treat your garage-door remote as if it was a key to your house, because it is,” he said.
Reporting suspicious people and activity to police is also important, Paquet said. To report a crime in progress, call 911; to report a crime after the fact, call 604-599-0502.
For more information, visit surrey.rcmp-grc.ca