Completion of an under-construction home in South Surrey has been delayed for a month, after wiring throughout the structure was cut away in the dark of night last week.
The break-in and theft to the Morgan Creek house was discovered at 8:30 a.m. March 2, less than 12 hours after the homeowners had locked it up for the night. They returned to find a temporary rear door breached and missing chunks of wiring – including a main power cable – from every floor. Copper pipes for the master bathroom were also cut out in the break-in.
“Somebody… pretty much cut throughout the house,” said the homeowner, who asked to remain unidentified.
“It seems like the purpose was to make more damage. This is all a waste now.”
The wiring was to have been inspected March 4. In addition to the delay, the rewiring is expected to add $10,000 to the construction tab.
The homeowner had been warned of the possibility of theft, after a neighbour’s home was targeted a year ago.
“We just never thought they would do it,” she said, noting she is hopeful another neighbour’s surveillance cameras may help identify those responsible and that an overnight security guard has been hired.
Neighbours say bikes have been stolen, vehicles broken into and suspicious individuals spotted in recent months.
One woman said she called police last month after two suspicious men knocked on her door and wandered around her property.
She has taken to writing down the licence-plate numbers of vehicles and photographing suspicious individuals.
Police patrols of the area have been increased in response to the complaints, said South Surrey RCMP Cpl. Jennifer Lacelle.
As well, community safety officers delivered an alert to 300 Morgan Creek residents two weeks ago advising of an increase in criminal activity. The notice included crime-prevention tips.
Lacelle said crime statistics indicate residents paid attention, noting reports of problems have dropped by 50 per cent.
Anyone with information on last week’s wire theft is asked to contact Surrey RCMP at 604-599-0502.