Don't be tempted to leave your windows open to get relief from the blazing summer sunshine, Coquitlam Mounties are warning.
A rash of residential break-ins in Port Coquitlam's Woodland Acres neighbourhood (between Glen and Westwood parks) appears to be the work of an opportunistic thief. Of the seven break-ins reported to police, about half were accessed through open windows - and mostly occurred during the daytime on weekdays.
Other areas highlighted in the Coquitlam RCMP's bi-weekly CompStat Alert include Burquitlam (Como Lake Avenue to Smith Avenue and from Emerson Street to Townley Street), where another four daytime residential break-ins were reported. Access was mainly through forced window entries into houses and basement suites.
Coquitlam RCMP are recommending residents close and lock all windows, doors and patio doors when leaving the house - and when they're at home sleeping - emphasizing that a window screen will not keep a burglar from getting inside.
And if you're heading out of town for a summer vacation, arrange to have your mail and newspapers picked up and your yard maintained, ensure put lights on timers. (To place a vacation stop/start on delivery of The Tri-City News, email your name, address and phone number, along with stop/start dates, to [email protected].)
There was also a spate of vehicle thefts in southwest Coquitlam (Dansey Avenue to Delestre Avenue/Lougheed Highway, and North Road to Guilby Street).
Cpl. Jamie Chung said it's important for people to report crime, even if nothing is stolen or entry was only attempted, so the police can get a more accurate picture of crime hotspots and where to target their resources.
