Good Day Block Watch Captains, Co-Captains & Participants,
West Vancouver Police have responded to 222 calls for service since our last update.
Block Watch Crime Alerts for February 16th to 22nd are attached and available on our website.
Click Here For Updated West Vancouver Crime Alerts
Winter & Spring Break Travel
School Spring Break is approaching & the winter get-away season is ongoing.
You may be among those fortunate to be packing for travel. Before you head for the airport, have a plan in place to ensure home & property security while you are away. To begin with, avoid sharing details of when you will be away on social media. Save images from your amazing trip for after you’re back home.
Is there a family member or trusted local friend available to check your property regularly and clear any delivery items? A cluttered doorstep or mailbox can signal your absence to offender.
If you have an alarm or surveillance cameras, confirm that the systems are fully functional.
Do you rely on a web-based security camera or alarm system that delivers alerts to a smart phone or tablet? Be mindful your system will be unable to deliver alerts if your device is away from internet either on airplane mode or elsewhere. Consider having a trusted friend or family member monitor alerts from your system locally.
Take time to make yourself familiar with all features of your security system and be able to operate and properly set them. For security camera owners, we recommend you ensure a family member can operate any video playback features when needed. If your cameras have captured evidence that could help, knowing your system can avoid delays getting vital images to investigators. Regularly check if cameras are operating properly and clear of any obstructions. Place cameras to capture the best quality images.
Theft
For the 2nd week in a row, we regrettably need to share a reminder about the risks of leaving vehicle keys or any valuables in any unattended vehicle. A vehicle in the Gleneagles area was reported stolen after being left unlocked overnight in a residential driveway with keys inside.
Other Thefts from Auto this week included a Catalytic Converter stolen from a vehicle in retail parking near Marine Drive & Taylor way, a toolbox in a pick-up truck forced open in with tools stolen in nearby residential parking and groceries stolen from an unlocked vehicle in a Gleneagles area driveway.
Fraud
Fraud offences reported this week include a victim being contacted by a suspect posing as representatives of their bank, asking them to make a transfer of funds. The victim only realized it was a scam after funds were transferred & lost. Banks will not contact you by phone to like this to transfer of funds. If you receive such a call, disconnect, and contact your bank directly either in person or from a different phone to confirm your accounts are secure.
Another victim was contacted by a suspect claiming to represent a cellular phone provider, offering discounts. The victim was then asked for bank and personal information to proceed. They then began noticing unauthorized withdrawals from personal accounts. Your cellphone company will already have your bank or personal information on file if you’re already a customer. Again, if you receive this kind of call, do not provide personal information, hang-up, and if you wish, contact the phone company later from different phone.
Community Services Team Fraud Prevention Presentations
Fraud offences are persistent, and frequently target the elderly. You are welcome and encouraged to share any Fraud Prevention information we provide through Block Watch with your personal network. Our Community Services Team conducts regular Fraud Prevention Presentations in the community. If you would like to book a presentation to your group, please don’t hesitate to email me.
Please review all Fraud types with all members of your family, particularly with any elderly family members or others who may be especially vulnerable.
Click Here For Updated Information On Fraud Offences To Watch For
If you see any 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 between our weekly updates click westvanpolice.ca/crime-alerts.
Jeff Palmer
Block Watch & Operational Support Coordinator
West Vancouver Police
t: 604-925-7300
