Central Saanich Police are are asking the public to be their “eyes and ears” in the community after noting an unfortunate trend in the area. Police have seen an increase in residential break and enters over the last few weeks.
“We have two residential break-ins in Saanichton area and four in the Brentwood Bay area in the last 30 days,” said Cpl. Janis Jean. “That is clearly not a usual crime trend for us.”
They’re actively investigating the crimes and hope residents will report any suspicious behaviour in their neighbourhood.
“When a suspect plans on breaking into a home they will often start by ‘casing’ your home and then will often knock on the front door first. If no one answers they will seek a potential entry point in your home that is hidden from view,” Jean said. “A window or door will be broken or pried and the culprit will enter the home. This can be accomplished in minutes. Sometimes when a suspect is operating with another person, the other person will linger outside the residence to warn of any police or homeowner arrival. This is a frequent pattern in residential break and enters.”
The most recent case was in the 7700 block of Wallace Drive and was reported to police just before 6 p.m. on Jan. 15. While pry marks were discovered on the front door and windows of the residence, it doesn’t appear the thief or thieves got into the home. The forensic identification officers came out and the investigation is ongoing.
“All our officers are acutely aware of a potential pattern,” Jean said. “At the end of the day we need the general public to be our eyes and ears.”
Central Saanich Police asks residents to be watchful neighbours and involved community members by reporting all suspicious people and cars.
Homeowners can reduce their risk of break and enter by joining the Block Watch Program through the Central Saanich Police Service. Call 250-652-4441 and speak to the Block Watch Coordinator.
reporter@peninsulanewsreview.com