A daytime thief is likely at work in Central Saanich.
Police say a series of daytime break and enters to residents on Central and East Saanich roads appear to be linked.
The most recent was Friday, Feb. 10 when a resident left the home for only a few hours. The resident returned to the home in the 6500 block of Central Saanich Road around 2 p.m. to discover someone had gotten through a window into the garage, then broke that door to access the home. Camera equipment and laptops were reported stolen.
On Tuesday, Feb. 7 an open back door alerted a resident that things weren't right when she arrived home around 4:30 p.m. It appears someone came in through an upper bedroom window and rummaged through several bedrooms. They then stopped for some food and liquor before leaving through the back door with a laptop and jewelry.
The week before, sometime between 8 a.m. and noon on Feb. 1 someone broke into a home in the 7400 block of East Saanich Road. A window was forced open, the family dog removed from the home and the house ransacked. Police said shotguns, ammunition, computers electronic games and jewelry were taken and carried out in a large green Rubbermaid container. The firearms and ammunition were lawfully stored.
SUSPICIOUS ACTIVITY THAT COULD BE SIGNS OF A BREAK AND ENTER:
• Someone knocking at your front door. When you answer it they make up a story to explain why they are there. For example “I am looking for Mike” or soliciting some kind of non existent work ( yard work, window cleaning, gutter work etc) or charity.
• Someone at your neighbour’s home knocking on the door. If no one answers the door the culprits will walk around to the side or back of the house to find a window or door to break into. If you see this call the police right away!
• A vehicle driving slowly down you street looking at homes. Sometimes suspects will enter a driveway or park down the street before breaking into a home. Record license plates and report to police!
• A person(s) walking down a street slowly, looking into yards and homes. Often they will work in pairs and one of the subjects will stay back and watch out for police as a look out.
• Be suspicious and trust your instincts.
WHAT CAN YOU DO TO PREVENT A BREAK IN?
• Have your home look occupied during the day if you are at work or school. Leave on music, have lights on timers and don’t leave papers on the front door step.
• Lock all windows and doors before you leave for the day (and at night when you go to sleep).
• Don’t let trees or bushes get so overgrown that a burglar can hide in them. Allow people to be able to have a clear view of your doors and windows from the street.
• Keep your garage door shut and locked.
• Have good quality locks on all your doors and windows.
• If you can afford it – get an alarm system.
• Get to know your neighbours and watch out for one another.
• Form a Block Watch in your neighbourhood.
If you have any information about this crime or if you see any suspicious activity please contact Central Saanich Police Service at 250-652-4441.