There are a lot of Grinches out there, you just can't see them.
From now until Dec. 28, Coquitlam RCMP is sending out more officers to roam around certain areas of its jurisdiction in efforts to detour thieves from ruining the holiday spirit.
According to the detachment's latest report, there's been an increase in crime activity in two hotspots: Port Coquitlam along the Coquitlam River near Lougheed Highway, and off North Road near the Coquitlam-Burnaby border.
This includes nearly 30 break-and-enters at businesses and homes, almost 40 theft from vehicles and 20 reports of stolen vehicles.
Anyone who witnesses suspicious activity is encouraged to call Coquitlam RCMP at 604-945-1550 or call 911 if there’s a theft in progress.
Here are the areas RCMP are set to canvas for over the next two weeks:
AREA #1
- From Westwood Street in the west to Flint Street in the east
- From Kitchener Avenue in the north to Wilson Avenue in the south
AREA #2
- From North Road in the west to Donald Street in the east
- From Austin Avenue in the north to Alderson Avenue in the south
In the meantime, Mounties are urging the public to take all steps necessary when it comes to protecting personal property and curb potential theft.
This includes:
- Locking doors and closing windows
- Parking in well-lit/well-populated areas where "natural surveillance" can serve as a deterrent
- Closing garage doors at night
- Taking your garage opener, house and/or business keys and vehicle registration papers out of your vehicle when it’s parked (if thieves steal these items, they could use them to commit other crimes including identity theft and break-and-enter)
