Police on both sides of the Saanich-Oak Bay border are dealing with a disturbing trend of break-ins while residents are on vacation.
Saanich police say three homes on Ten Mile Point reported break-and-enters just days apart, between July 29 and Aug. 6, and the instances have similarities to 15 recent break-ins in Oak Bay.
In many of the incidents the residents were away on vacation, Saanich police Sgt. Dean Jantzen said. As well, many of the houses are being entered through second- or third-storey windows.
“Many times an officer’s arrived at the scene to find a ladder leaning against the house,” Jantzen said, adding that thieves have also used low sheds or latticework to gain entry to upper-floor windows.
“If you’re going away on summer vacation, have your neighbours look in on (your home) for you,” he said. “Have a family member stay there – any number of things to prevent becoming a victim while you’re away.”
Police also recommend homeowners keep the windows to their home closed during the day and while the home is unoccupied.
Jantzen urged residents to report suspicious individuals, vehicles or activity in their neighbourhood to help deter these sorts of incidents.
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