Two break-and-enters in the same block of Stoney Creek Drive within a half hour of each other have sparked a public warning from Chilliwack RCMP.
“These homes may have been targeted because there was no sign of anyone being home,” Cpl. Tammy Hollingsworth said in a news release.
She said thieves have been “regularly breaking into homes during the day-time hours” and the RCMP is reminding homeowners there are some simple prevention measures they can take when they leave for the day or for a long trip.
• don’t leave messages on your door or mailbox or answering machine;
• call a trusted neighbour to collect your mail and newspapers and keep up your yard;
• give a neighbour a phone number where you can be reached;
• if no neighbour is available, install timers on several lights to give the appearance someone is home;
• lock all windows and doors, use a broomstick or dowel to secure sliding doors;
• inscribe valuables with your driver’s licence number;
• keep jewelry and other valuables in a safe;
• consider getting a dog;
• leave spare keys with a neighbour rather than hidden outside the house.
And finally, if you see any suspicious activity in your neighbourhood, call the police immediately.
For more information on how to prevent break-ins or to form a Block Watch group in your neighbourhood, call the Chilliwack Community Police Office at 604-393-3000.
Anyone with information about the two break-ins at Stoney Creek Drive on Feb. 28 is asked to call the Chilliwack RCMP at 604-792-4611 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS.