Mounties in the Comox Valley are warning residents of three recent residential break-ins that all occurred within the span of one week.
The three break-ins occurred between Feb. 24 and March 1 in Courtenay and Comox, and Mounties say they believe suspects are targeting residences of Asian-owned businesses.
Police add that the suspects are seemingly casing homes and seeing if anyone is present before breaking in.
“Investigators believe that those residences are being targeted with a prior ‘visit’ from the culprit(s) to see if anyone is home,” said RCMP in a release Wednesday.
“In the event that the suspects encounter the homeowner, they may mention that they are at the wrong house,” said Const. Holly Carlson of the Comox Valley RCMP Major Crime Unit. “We encourage homeowners to contact police right away if that happens.”
Mounties say cash or high-value items are often stolen from inside the homes.
The locations of the three break-ins can be found below:
- Feb. 24 in the 1100-block of Hornby Place, Courtenay
- Feb. 28 in the 700-block of Aspen Road, Comox
- March 1 in the 1700-block of Thorpe Avenue, Courtenay
Police have released several tips on how to secure your home, including setting up motion sensor lights outside your home and potentially installing a doorbell camera.
“Lighting is the most effective crime prevention tool, since criminals do not want to be seen,” said RCMP in a release Tuesday.
People should also make sure their home address number is visible both day and night so emergency crews can quickly find their home if needed.
If you are going out of town, police encourage you to have someone mow your lawn or park in your driveway – and to ideally have someone house sit while you are away, or make your home look lived in, such as by having automated lights turn on and off inside your home on a timer.
Anyone who sees suspicious activity in their neighbourhood is asked to call police immediately.
SEE ALSO: 25 commercial break-and-enters reported in first week of 2024: Nanaimo RCMP
Adam Chan
