With many businesses shuttered due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Coquitlam RCMP said they are counting on vigilant residents to help prevent property crime.
Local Mounties, who police Coquitlam and Port Coquitlam, said they have seen a slight uptick in the number of commercial break and enters so far this year, however the figures are still below the the five-year average, according to Cpl. Michael McLaughlin.
“In other words, nothing to be alarmed about at this point,” he said, noting residents should call 911 immediately if they see anyone who may be engaged in criminal activity. “We want to stay ahead of any potential problems.”
To all businesses who are closing temporarily or reducing hours, thank you. We know it’s hard, and we’re stepping up patrols while you’re gone. Everyone, call 911 if you see anything suspicious. Let’s all protect our people and our businesses pic.twitter.com/zmlhhFtVDs
— CQ RCMP (@cqrcmp) March 27, 2020
With more residents staying home to prevent the transmission of the novel coronavirus, there are fewer eyes on the street and not as many people frequenting local businesses. That has led to a sharp increase in property crime for many jurisdictions across the region, including Vancouver, where police have seen the average number of commercial break-ins jump from one to four per day.
“Property crime is an issue in Vancouver year-round and we continuously implement new measures to help reduce property crime and target repeat offenders,” Chief Adam Palmer said in a press release. “However, it appears thieves are attempting to take advantage of commercial spaces that are closed due to social distancing measures. We are targeting these offenders aggressively on several levels.”
New Westminster Police have also seen a rise in break-and-enters, prompting council to approve the preparation of a commercial area security plan, with stepped up police patrols and the hiring of private security firms. That kind of action has not been necessary in the Tri-Cities so far, although police said they are watching the crime stats closely.
“Naturally, we’re keeping an eye on breaking and enters, and increasing patrols and police presence,” McLaughlin said.
Port Moody Police Department told The Tri-City News it has not seen an increase in commercial break-ins at this time.
