File Photo.
A break and enter in Nanaimo Monday is the latest in a rash of residential break-ins that police warn are on the rise this holiday season.
Nanaimo RCMP says there have been 32 reported break-ins in the first two weeks of December, compared to 20 in the same time period last year.
Around noon Monday, a home on Asteria Place was broken into and a 31-year-old female was arrested.
A male resident found the suspect inside the home as he prepared to leave with his laptop.
Police caught the woman a short distance away and recovered the laptop and items taken from a nearby grocery store.
The suspect was released on a promise to appear in court on charges of break and enter and theft with a court date set for late January.
Nanaimo RCMP says the majority of the reported break-ins have taken place during daylight hours, with a number of rear windows being pried open with tools used in backyard sheds.
Police say thieves have also been able to get inside their victim’s homes through unlocked doors and windows, with electronics, cash, jewellery, alcohol, passports, collectible coin sets and bikes among preferred items taken.
According to authorities, wrapped Christmas gifts were stolen in one of the break-ins.
To make your home more safe from break-and-enter crimes, police advise you to:
- When out, ensure passports and collectibles are placed out of sight
- Ensure all windows and doors are locked when not home. Entry is often through unlocked garage doors or bathroom windows.
- Consider having an alarm system installed. If your home is already alarmed, ensure upper levels are also alarmed when not home
- Engrave all valuables with your driver’s license and take pictures of all valuables
- Do not leave garage door openers in your vehicle when it is unattended
- Start up a Block Watch in your area which is a proven way to improve home security and increase communication between your neighbours and the police
Lastly, all suspicious activity, involving people, vehicles or prowlers must be reported to the police. If individuals are targeting your neighbourhood, chances are they have hit others too. The sooner they are stopped the safer we will all be,
Nanaimo RCMP Cst. Gary O’Brien said in a release.
If you have any information on any of the break and enters you are asked to call RCMP or Crime Stoppers.
CHEK News
