The Abbotsford Police Department (APD) continues to be concerned about a series of residential break-ins in the Townline Road and Blueridge Drive area.
Const. Paul Walker said there have been 27 incidents in the area – on the west side of Abbotsford – since November, with the thieves targeting mainly jewelry, cash and laptop computers.
He said police believe a small number of people are responsible for the crimes, and they have likely been observing the routines of residents in the area before targeting specific homes.
“Primarily, these incidents are occurring between the hours of 5 p.m. and 9 p.m. … with the culprits entering through rear doors and windows of the homes,” Walker said.
He said residents are reminded to ensure their homes are secure before leaving, even if they are gone only for a short time.
Walker said police have stepped up their presence in the area, particularly in the hours when the crimes have been occurring, and have been checking suspicious vehicles and individuals.
He said the property crime unit has been working diligently to try to identify the culprits.
Walker said police do not believe the offenders are linked to the ongoing Townline Hill conflict, in which two groups of young men have been embroiled in a dispute that has involved vandalism, mischief, and physical and verbal altercations.
The APD first reported the series of break-ins last November, when large amounts of cash and jewelry were stolen. In one of the thefts, $50,000 in foreign currency, jewelry and electronics were taken.
The losses in two others were valued at $30,000 and $15,000.
The APD said in early February that the thefts in the area had continued and accounted for half the home break-ins in all of Abbotsford from Nov. 5 to Feb. 1.
Anyone with information is asked to contact the APD at 604-859-5225 or text abbypd (222973).
