Coordinator's Update - April 13
Good Day Block Watch Captains, Co-Captains & Participants,
West Vancouver Police have responded to 278 calls for service since our last update.
Check WestVancouverBlockwatch.com For Updated Crime Alerts
Residential B&E
As promised last week, a review of some steps that can help reduce your risk of residential break-ins. The review is general, as specific details from a break-in referenced in last week’s crime alerts are before the courts.
First & foremost, regularly & proactively review security provisions of your home & property. Don’t wait to until after an offence to react.
While West Vancouver remains a comparatively safe community, residential break-ins can & have occurred in neighbourhoods across the district. Do you have a monitored home alarm system? Do you ensure it is set when you leave the home or when you are going to sleep for the night?
Spring, Summer, and warmer temperatures approaching can start us thinking about ventilation and leaving windows or doors partly or fully open for fresh air. We encourage you to ensure any home entry point left unattended is either closed & locked or has a secure secondary lock. Let the breeze pass through, not the suspect!
A tactic by suspects we frequently warn about, is targeting upper floor doors or windows in the hope that no alarm intrusion sensors are installed there. Assess whether your alarm system covers any potentially accessible doors or windows.
Ladders or any other items that could be used to climb to a vulnerable entry point should be stored indoors or secured outside so they cannot be moved to help offenders. Remember trees or other landscaping features close to your home can serve as ‘natural ladders’.
Offenders will often directly target personal safes. If you have a safe at your home, is it secured?
Could it be easily removed? Is your safe in a room with intrusion or motion sensors active when
your alarm is set?
Investigators frequently find suspects enter homes through upper floor doors or windows
without alarm sensors, then head directly to primary (master) bedrooms & closets looking for
safes & high value personal items.
If you have personal possessions of exceptional value, you may wish to consider whether more
secure off-site storage options will provide better protection.
Remember that your car, if not properly secured, can help suspects. A garage door opener in your vehicle can be used by suspects to enter your garage, and home. A garage fob attached to your key ring and taken with you will help. Close and lock all windows and doors when away - including the door to your home that is in the garage.
Do not share vacation plans or when you'll be away on social media. This identifies when your home is vacant. Have a friend or family member check your home while you’re away and clear accumulated mail or delivery items that also indicate you’re away.
If you see suspicious activity or persons in your neighbourhood, please do not hesitate to contact West Vancouver Police. We have had circumstances recently in which residents opted to post regarding suspicious behaviour to social media without calling police. After you have notified police & our officers are able to respond, you can then consider whether sharing the information among your personal network may also be helpful.
Thank you for being alert to suspicious activity in your neighbourhood. Call 9-1-1 in an emergency. Call 604-925-7300 for a non-emergency response.
Jeff Palmer
Block Watch & Operational Support Coordinator
t: 604-925-7363 | c: 604-785-2446