Port Moody police are warning residents to be careful of open windows and doors in the wake of several break-ins.
As many as 12 break-ins have occurred since May 1 in the central neighbourhoods of Klahanie, Suter Brook Village and Moody Centre.
That's a three-fold increase compared to the same time period last year with the break-ins occurring in high-risk places such as storage lockers.
But even private homes have been entered by thieves seeking high value items.
"Many of the break-ins have occurred in parkade storage lockers, where thieves have made off with expensive items. However, there have been several break and enters to residences, some of which have been occupied," stated media spokesperson Const. Sam Zacharias.
In one recent incident, the residents were home when the break-in took place.
The incident occurred in the early hours of Wednesday June 1 when a homeowner was awoken by an intruder who entered their Klahanie home through an open window.
Thief startled by Klahanie homeowner and fled the scene
The intruder was startled by the homeowner and quickly departed the residence.
The motive of this break and enter is unknown, according to police, and no one was harmed and nothing was stolen.
Still, police are seeking information about a suspect, who is described as a male in his late 20’s, with dark skin and slim build, wearing long jean shorts and a black jacket with a wide brimmed black and grey baseball hat.
“Incidents like these are concerning and we are encouraging the public to continue reporting suspicious activity to police immediately” stated Const. Sam Zacharias in a press release.
“As warmer weather arrives, please be cognizant of open windows and doors as potential entry points for offenders.”
Zacharias noted as well that front line officers are aware of this trend in increased break and enters and have stepped up patrols and presence in the community.
The Klahanie file remains under investigation and anyone with information is asked to contact police at 604-461-3456.
