With the temperatures finally warming up, the Vancouver Police Department is reminding the public to be vigilant about leaving doors and windows unlocked and open.
Police say they typically see an increase in break-ins to houses, basement suites, townhomes and apartments as the weather gets warmer. Many of the break-ins are tied to open or unlocked doors and windows. Usually, there is no sign of forced entry.
“Many thieves are opportunists. Thirteen per cent of residential break-ins over the last six months were committed by the criminal entering through an open door or window, including above the ground floor, – some happened while people were at home,” says VPD Const. Jason Doucette in a release. “Something as simple as making sure your windows and doors are locked can stop a thief.”
The Vancouver police have a number of programs in place to help prevent neighbourhood crime, such as Block Watch and Log It or Lose It.