Increase in overnight residential break and enters reported in Surrey

Surrey: RCMP is advising the public of a recent rise in the number of residential break and enters in Surrey.

The Surrey RCMP Property Crime Target Team (PCTT) noted an increase in the number of break and enters to residences which rose from 13 incidents in July, to 26 and 24 incidents in August and September. Many of these incidents occurred while residents were at home, often overnight between 7:00 pm and 7:00 am.

The majority of the break and enters occurred after suspects accessed a garage door opener stored in a vehicle parked on the driveway of residence. Once inside the garage, suspects were able to gain access the home through unlocked doors or using spare keys stored within the garage. Some incidents involved suspects gaining access to residences through windows that had been left open.

Residents are encouraged take measures which can help reduce their chances of becoming a victim of a break and enter: • Ensure your garage door closes tightly and keep it locked at all times.

• Do not leave your garage door opener inside your vehicle. • Chose a garage door opener with a rolling code system. • Install a deadbolt on the door from the garage into the house. • Record serial numbers of tools and valuables.

• Make a routine of securing all doors and windows before going to bed.

For more tips please visit the Surrey RCMP website for information on Home Security. “Having your home broken into is a very upsetting and personal event,” says Sergeant Rob Dalphond, PCTT. “We want to equip residents with tips and prevention strategies, while we continue to target individuals who commit break and enters in the community.”

Anyone with information about these incidents or who witnesses anything suspicious in their neighbourhood is asked to call Surrey RCMP at 604-599-0502 or, if you wish to make an anonymous report, contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS.