Rash of break and enters hitting local homes

A rash of break and enters has Prince George RCMP warning residents to take extra precautions to protect their homes.

Since May 1, police have received over 165 confirmed reports of break and enters in the Prince George area. Most of those have taken place in the last few weeks, Prince George RCMP spokesperson Cpl. Craig Douglass said in a written statement.

"Investigators believe that there are more than one group actively targeting residences within the Prince George detachment area," Douglass said. "Most of these break and enters are occurring during business hours while residents are working or otherwise out of the home."

No particular areas of the city have been singled out by thieves, but investigators believe at least one group is targeting rural homes with a focus on stealing firearms. Police believe the thief or thieves are using a vehicle to drive up to rural homes.

RCMP are urging gun owners to consider the legal firearm storage requirements as a minimum standard, and to take extra precaution storing their firearms.

Within the city a man has been seen riding up to homes on a bicycle. The suspect steals smaller items that can fit into a backpack, then leaves the home on a different bicycle -possibly to change his appearance.

Bicycles should be stored out of sight and locked, Douglass added, because there has been a surge in bike thefts from carports and yards.

Police believe children or youth are responsible for some of the break and enters. Investigators believe the group may appear like a group of youth walking through a neighbourhood on foot.

Prince George RCMP are urging residents to call police if they see a suspicious person, group or activity in their area.

If you have any information about these break and enters, contact Prince George RCMP at 250-561-3300 or call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS(8477). Tips can also be made online at www.pgcrimestoppers.bc.ca or by texting to CRIMES using the keyword pgtips.