West Vancouver Police have responded to 714 calls for service since our July 24th update.
For updated crime alerts anytime click westvanpolice.ca/crime-alerts
Residential Break-ins
A good quality home security system paid dividends since our last update. An Ambleside area home was broken into in late July. Investigators were provided good quality video images from the home surveillance camera system. One day later, the homeowner called police after seeing suspects in the area that matched individuals caught on camera. Officers quickly attended and one suspect was arrested without incident. Investigation to identify a second suspect is ongoing.
Thieves are active, with seven residential break-ins reported since our last Crime Alerts update July 24th. We encourage residents to regularly review home & property security measures.
Tech Helps Again
Our latest Crime Alerts revealed one other example of personal tech assisting Police in investigations. A Cypress Bowl Road area resident discovered their laptop & other items had been stolen from a parked vehicle. The theft was promptly reported West Vancouver Police, and the victim was able to share tracking data from the laptop. Officers reviewed the data & alerted Ridge Meadows RCMP to the updated location of the device. Ridge Meadows officers located a vehicle. Suspects inside were arrested without incident and the laptop was recovered. Suspects face a court appearance on several charges. Investigation in support of additional potential charges is ongoing. With or without technology to assist, it is important to report offences to police as soon as safely possible once you discover them.
A Name Change For Block Watch Captains & Co-Captains
A note in closing this week, regarding a change by our provincial Block Watch organization, specifically, a change of the name for key volunteers in our collective crime awareness & prevention efforts. The Block Watch Society of BC has officially changed the title of “Block Watch Captain” to “Block Watch Lead”. The term Block Watch Lead is intended to be more inclusive and collaborative, to better reflect the spirit of neighbours working together. It is intended to modernize the title and emphasize the importance of coordination and facilitation rather than implying a role of authority. While the name has changed, the responsibilities of the role remain the same. So, whether you were a Captain or Co-Captain, you are now a Block Watch Lead, and we sincerely appreciate you continued support of your group.
Anytime you see activity of concern, please don’t hesitate to call West Vancouver Police. Call 604-925-7300 for non-emergency matters. Call 9-1-1 in an emergency, including events that involve an immediate threat to a person or property or to report a substantive crime in progress. For updated crime alerts anytime click westvanpolice.ca/crime-alerts.
Jeff Palmer
Block Watch & Operational Support Coordinator
West Vancouver Police
t: 604-925-7300
