Chilliwack RCMP are once again reminding residents to remove remote control garage door openers from their vehicles at night.
The warning follows three recent thefts where garage openers were used to gain access to homes and garages.
“We believe suspects used remote controlled garage door openers, left in the vehicles overnight, to gain access into the garages,” said Const. Lorelei Jeffery of the Chilliwack RCMP. “In one instance, individual(s) entered the home, stole the keys to the family vehicle, then stole the vehicle.”
The thefts occurred Nov. 10 in the 10000-block of Williams Road, the 50000-block of Ledgestone Place and the 50000-block of Adelaide Place.
General Duty officers supported by the RCMP Lower Mainland Integrated Forensic Identification Section continue to pursue all investigational avenues into the break and enters. Investigators have not determined if the incidents are related.
“By practising some simple prevention techniques citizens can reduce the opportunity for criminals to commit their crime in our community,” said Cpl. Mike Rail, spokesperson for the Upper Fraser Valley Regional Detachment.
Rail offered other tips to avoid property theft:
• Always lock the doors when leaving your vehicle.
• Do not leave valuables in your vehicle overnight.
• Do not leave loose change inside of your vehicle.
• An alarm is an effective deterrent.
• Do not leave remote controlled garage door openers in your vehicle overnight.
Anyone with any information regarding the break and enters or, witnesses anything they believe to be suspicious , can contact the Chilliwack RCMP at 604-792-4611. Or, to remain anonymous, call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS).