Coordinator's Update Mar 2
Updated: Mar 6
Good Day Block Watch Captains, Co-Captains & Participants,
West Vancouver Police have responded to 285 calls for service since our last Update.
Check WestVancouverBlockwatch.com For Updated Crime Alerts
Residential B&E
Patio furniture stored outdoors. Sounds ordinary enough. Unfortunately, when combined with a 2nd floor door or window not equipped with alarm intrusion sensors, patio furniture moved and stacked against a home can be just enough of a leg up for suspects to complete a crime. A break-in through a 2nd floor entry in the Upper Dundarave area was among two Residential B&E reports in our Crime Alerts this past week.
Protect your home by assessing 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 addressed to reduce your risk of loss. Consider indoor storage or secure the items outside so they cannot be moved to help offenders. Be mindful that trees or other landscaping features close to your home can serve as ‘natural ladders’. We urge all residents to regularly review security provisions in place on their property. Please don't hesitate to contact us for any questions you may have.
March is Fraud Prevention Month
We need to be alert to fraud & scams throughout the year, but the month of March brings an annual national campaign aimed at helping you recognize fraud, protect yourself & prevent loss.
A valued Block Watch Captain reminded us this week of a fraud they thankfully recognized in time to prevent loss. The ‘Package Delivery Scam’ often starts with a text or email about attempted delivery of a package to you (a package you didn’t order or weren’t expecting). The messages include a "tracking link" urging you to update your delivery or payment preferences. The link is an attempt to obtain your personal & banking information for criminal use. The link will not be from Canada Post. The email or text should be deleted. Per their website, when Canada Post makes a delivery attempt, a delivery notice card will be left at your door or in your mailbox. Canada Post will not contact you by email or text unless you have specifically requested it.
Learn about Fraud to protect yourself and any elderly or vulnerable persons you may help care for. Attached below is the very helpful publication, ‘The Little Black Book of Scams’ and you can Click Here For More Information On Protecting Yourself From Fraud.
Little Black Book of Scams 2nd Ed
.pdf
Download PDF • 4.31MB
Chief’s Quarterly Block Watch Newsletter
For any who missed it last week, the inaugural West Vancouver Block Watch Quarterly Newsletter from Chief Constable John Lo is available at our Block Watch Website. Chief Lo has updates on new Patrol Team & Community Outreach Initiatives. As we work to reach as many residents as possible across the community our newsletters are available in English, Mandarin & Farsi. Click Here To View Quarterly Reports At WestVancouverBlockwatch.com. You are welcome to share these newsletters & encourage more West Vancouver neighbours to join Block Watch!
Please be 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