Prince George RCMP is urging business people and homeowners to take measures to prevent break and enters after seeing a spike in the offence last month.
The detachment received 71 reports of which 32 were for businesses, 25 for homes and seven for items taken from sheds.
The crimes were committed at all hours of the day and throughout the city and police believe one or two groups are behind the wave.
"These persons would likely be in possession of and trying to sell a wide variety of stolen property including lawn mowers, computers, tablets, televisions, sunglasses and bicycles," Cpl. Craig Douglass said. "A vehicle is likely being used to transport the stolen property."
RCMP issued a list of tips for keeping thieves at bay and more quickly recovering stolen goods:
- Record serial numbers or engrave your driver's licence number on valuables;
- Take pictures of property and store the files on a disk;
- Report suspicious activity at all hours of the day;
- Get to know your neighbours and keep an eye on their property;
- Use security systems, cameras and other deterrents;
- Keep your doors locked, even if you are in the back yard;
- Close and lock your windows each time you leave your home, even in hot weather.
The Prince George RCMP can be reached at 250-561-3300 or anonymously contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477), online at www.pgcrimestoppers.bc.ca, or Text-A-Tip to CRIMES using keyword "pgtips."
