Small business owners are being warned to make sure their security systems are up to date after a trio of similar break-ins targeted strip malls over the past three weeks.
On Nov. 13, would-be thieves cut a hole in some drywall to get inside a business in the 3200-block of Douglas St. An alarm apparently scared the culprits off.
On Oct. 26 in the 3300-block of Burns Ave., the door of a business was forced open and the alarm panel was ripped off the wall and deactivated. A number of small items were taken.
And on Oct. 24, a laundromat in the 100-block of Burnside Road West was entered by thieves who pried open the service entry of the business next door, then subsequently climbed through the false ceiling. Again, a few small items were taken.
Police are still looking for suspects in all three cases.
In the meantime, they are reminding owners to review their alarm systems and ensure activation procedures are up to date, locks are sufficient and their businesses are well lit at night.
For questions about security, call the Saanich Police Community Liaison office at 250-475-4321.
