Good Day Block Watch Captains, Co-Captains & Participants,

West Vancouver Police have responded to 385 calls for service since our last update.

Travel Time

May Long is upon us! The coming long weekend kicks off the summer travel season for many. Amid hectic and maybe challenging travel conditions, confirming home & property security before you leave can help reduce your worries while you’re away. How long you plan to be away can determine the extent of preparations recommended, but we suggest you start all trips with a quick check of all potential entry points. Are they locked, secure, with latches & locks in good working condition? If you have a security camera or alarm system, is it maintained & properly set?

If your trip is for more than a long weekend, arrange for a trusted friend or family member to watch your home, clear mail or delivery items, or perhaps have someone to stay at the home while you’re away. Arranging for regular tasks like setting out garbage & recycling on pick up day and keeping up lawn & garden maintenance can all help ensure your home appears occupied and monitored. You can also arrange for scheduled delivery items like newspapers to be paused.

Inform a trusted neighbour of your plans, so they can be watchful for unusual activity, or even park a car in your driveway to make it appear occupied. Ensure any exceptional value items or important documents are in a well secured safe, or an off-site safe deposit box. Check that any valuable items are not visible from any exterior viewpoint.

Check the outside & perimeter of your property. Are you leaving any tools or ladders unsecured that could be used by suspects force their way into your home?

Above all, it can be fun to share details of your trip with family & friends, but it’s best to avoid posting in a public way on Social Media about travel plans before you leave or while you’re away. Enjoy your travel. Share the jealousy inducing photos after you’re safely back.

Residential Break-ins

The Primary (Master) bedroom appeared to be the focus of suspects breaking into a home in the Cypress Creek area. Suspects smashed through a rear glass door. Fortunately, when the break-in was discovered upon the resident’s return home, it appeared nothing of significant value had been taken. Please be alert. Regularly review how you secure your property & valuables.

Thefts from Auto

Please avoid leaving valuables in unattended vehicles. Three Theft from Auto offences in this week’s alerts in the Taylor Way/Marine Drive area involved suspects smashing rear passenger windows on locked vehicles in both retail & apartment parkades.

Hot Temperatures

The forecast indicates above seasonal daytime temperatures are with us for a few more days. We encourage all residents to be mindful about leaving any doors or windows unattended and open for ventilation. It only takes a couple of minutes for criminals to take advantage of an unsecured entry point.

Long Weekend Patrols

Extra officers are being called out this weekend for Park Patrols, and for traffic enforcement on highways in the district. If you are travelling, please take care. We want you home safely!

If you see suspicious activity or persons in your neighbourhood, please don’t hesitate to contact West Vancouver Police. Call 9-1-1 in an emergency. Call 604-925-7300 for a non-emergency response.

Jeff Palmer

Block Watch & Operational Support Coordinator

t: 604-925-7363 | c: 604-785-2446

Enjoy the Sun! Wear a hat and sunscreen!