Residents urged to help combat home break-ins

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A 41-per-cent spike in home breaks last month has prompted Richmond Mounties to warn residents, and urge them to do more to deter bandits.

There were 99 breaks-ins last month, up from 70 in 2012, according to Richmond RCMP Cpl. Sherrdean Turley.

Most of last month’s break-ins occurred along No. 2 Road, between Steveston Highway and Granville Avenue, she said, with homes hit following the dinner hour, between 6 and 10 p.m.

The targetted homes were either in darkness, or the homeowners were away at the time.

“As much as officers have the tools and training required to catch criminals, the ever-watchful neighbour is always helpful,” Turley said.

To that end, Richmond RCMP are asking residents to:

• install motion sensor lights on the outside of their home, including the front and back

• leave a light on when you leave, with timers on the radio and lights giving the impression that someone is home

• don’t store large amounts of cash or jewelry in the house

• if your home is for sale, check it frequently, inside and out

• if you are going away, park on your driveway and arrange with neighbours to collect flyers and bring in the mail

Turley noted that 85 per cent of last month’s break-ins occurred where the crime-fighting program Block Watch, is not active.

“Knowing your neighbours and watching out for one another is one of the best crime prevention tools available,” said Richmond RCMP Supt. Rendall Nesset.

For more information about the Block Watch program, call 604-207-4829, or visit richmond.ca/blockwatch

Anyone interested in receiving neighbourhood residential break-in alerts, send in your name and address to: blockwatch@richmond.ca

If you see an usual vehicle, note lights in normally dark or abandoned homes, or see suspicious activity, call Richmond RCMP at 604-278-1212.

For home security tips, go to richmond.ca/homesafety.