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

West Vancouver Police have responded to 247 calls for service since our November 21st Update.

Click Here To View Updated West Vancouver Crime Alerts

Holiday Shopping

The rush of holiday shopping is upon us, and with it an urgent need to ensure your carefully selected gifts & other valuables are safe. We urge you to remain mindful of a crime prevention fundamental, whether at home or while out shopping, any item of value left in an unattended vehicle is at risk of theft. We understand carrying purchases around while you shop can be a burden, however, putting items in a car while you continue to shop, especially if you leave them in view, is an invitation to thieves.  If you’re at a mall and walk back to your car to put items in the vehicle to return for more shopping, you may be seen by thieves, who can wait until you’re gone, then break a vehicle window to access your gifts. 

In retail shops keep a close watch on your debit or credit card when someone else is handling it.  Keep watch on all personal belongings. Do not leave your wallet, purse, or electronic devices unattended.

Online Shopping

A watchful eye is also important if you are choosing to shop online.

Research a website before you purchase any product and hand over credit card information. Google the company and check reviews. If you are proceeding to a purchase, go directly to the business website, and avoid any emailed links.  A review of ratings from the Better Business Bureau can help inform your decision. Consider having your packages shipped to a work address or an alternate location if no one will be home. Be aware many deliveries do not include a knock on the door or a doorbell ring, so your package may be left in plain sight even if you are home. Make use of the signature option – if you’re not home to sign for the package, you can pick it up at an outlet or they can attempt delivery again.  Track your package so you know when it’s arriving and turn on the notification feature, so you are alerted when a delivery is made. Consider installing a security doorbell with a camera.

Residential Break-Ins

Another week, another home burglarized while the owner was out of the country.  A home in the Capilano Golf Club area was targeted by thieves, who broke in through a side patio door.  No alarm was triggered. The Holiday Travel Season is upon us. If you’re going to be away, ensure your alarm is properly set & functioning.   Have a trusted neighbour, family or friend regularly check your home while you’re away.

**Please review our Crime Alerts. If you become aware of an offence in your neighbourhood area, we encourage you to review your own home surveillance system for any suspicious persons or activity on your own property. Please don’t hesitate to contact Police if you note anything of interest.**

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