Break and enters have been on the rise over the last few weeks, Prince George RCMP said Tuesday.
The detachment has received 54 reports of the offence since June 1. While down from 74 during the same period last year, it still represents a spike from the usual level of activity on that front, according to police.
Homes have usually been targeted during the day and businesses at night when they're typically unoccupied.
While most have occurred in the city's core, College Heights and the Hart area are also seeing their share of offences. Beaverley, Hixon, Giscome, Willow River and Salmon Valley have also had reported break-ins during the last three weeks.
"Thieves have been cutting through chain link fences and have also been targeting 'C-Can' storage containers" said Cpl. Craig Douglass. "They have been kicking in doors and taking advantage of garages left open, leading us to remind the public to take extra precautions to protect your property."
Recent examples include:
- the theft of a 2013 Suzuki DR-Z 125 cc dirt bike from the garage of a Willow River home sometime between Thursday and Friday last week.
- the theft of a Samsung tablet, Sony camera, Kenneth Cole watch, Roots backpack and a red Lifesaver battery pack from a 2200-block Oak Street home on Sunday at about 3 p.m.
The suspect is described as a male wearing a red bicycle helmet and pants with a red stripe.
- the theft of 30 red seat cushions and an outdoor couch, worth about $1,000, from an enclosed restaurant patio near the corner of Highway 16 and Ferry Avenue between 3 a.m. and 5 a.m. on Monday.
Prince George RCMP are asking people to take steps to deter thieves. The advice includes recording serial numbers or engraving driver's licence numbers on valuables; taking pictures of property and store the files on a disk; using security systems, cameras and other deterrents;
keeping doors locked, even if you are in the back yard; closing and locking windows each time you leave your home, even in hot weather.
Homeowners are also encouraged to get to know their neighbours and keep an eye on their property and to report suspicious activity at all hours of the day. If you believe you are witnessing a crime taking place, call 911 immediately, RCMP said.
