As the temperature rises with spring, so too does the potential for property crime, prompting the Whistler RCMP to issue some tips for the public.
In a March 12 release, the RCMP said it wants to make the community aware there can be an increase in property crimes at this time of year, including break and enter and thefts from both homes and vehicles.
“This is a good time for our community members to be extra cognizant of any individuals who appear out of place in their specific residential area,” said Cpl. Katrina Boehmer, media relations officer for the Sea to Sky Whistler RCMP. “We have seen individuals posing as workers during daytime hours, wearing high-visibility vests or clothing and footwear that provides them with the opportunity to blend into the residential environment and appear as though they are there for a legitimate purpose. These individuals will check doors to see whether they are unlocked, enter back yards and try to gain entry through doors or windows, and access unlocked vehicles for garage door openers that allow them to enter residences virtually undetected.”
The RCMP offered these tips and encouraged community members to pass them along:
- Always keep all doors to your residence locked;
- Consider securing your residence with video cameras and/or a monitored home security or alarm system;
- Have an idea of what is going on in your neighbourhood and who doesn’t appear to belong there;
- If living in a multi-unit building, never allow a stranger to follow you into the building;
- Always keep your vehicle locked and use an anti-theft device;
- Do not keep spare keys in your vehicle;
- Do not leave valuables and property in your vehicle, including garage door openers;
- Wait for automatic gates to close behind you if you enter or leave a secure parking area;
- Always report any suspicious persons or activity around your residence or vehicles to your local police.
These tips, and others, can be found at Home security tips | Royal Canadian Mounted Police (rcmp.ca) and Prevent theft from and of vehicles | Royal Canadian Mounted Police (rcmp.ca)
Anyone with any information regarding any crime is asked to contact the Sea to Sky Whistler RCMP at 604-932-3044, or contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS, or go to the website solvecrime.ca.
