Surrey RCMP say they have seen an increase in break-and-enters, many of which happen while people are asleep inside their homes.
RCMP said there were 26 break-and-enters in August and 24 last month, compared to 13 in July.
Police said many of the break-ins occurred while residents were at home, often during the hours of 7 p.m. and 7 a.m.
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The majority of the break-ins occurred after thieves get a garage door opener from vehicles parked in the driveway. Once inside the garage, they get into the house through unlocked doors or by finding a spare key.
RCMP are offering the following tips to secure their home:
- do not keep a garage door opener inside the vehicle
- ensure the garage door closes tightly and is locked at all times
- install a deadbolt on the door that leads from the garage to the house, and
- routinely secure all doors and windows before going to bed.