A recent nabbing by Delta Police of a pair of break-and-enter suspects is prompting a safety reminder for residents as they start leaving for summer holidays.
According to police, on Monday, July 5, a sharp-eyed Tsawwassen resident at around 2 a.m. spotted two suspicious men who appeared to be trying to gain access to vehicles on 16th Avenue.
The resident did the right thing by calling police and an officer located the suspects’ vehicle on 18th Avenue.
A property crime investigation commenced and police found break-in instruments, as well as a significant quantity of suspected stolen property, including family memorabilia, tools, car jacks and more.
The owners of the memorabilia were located.
Police arrested the two men and seized the vehicle.
Charges are pending.
If you believe you’ve been the victim of theft during this time in Tsawwassen, and haven't yet reported the incident to police, Delta Police are asking residents to call the non-emergency number at 604-946-4411.
Police also note that now that people are starting to go on holidays, they may be leaving their homes and vehicles unoccupied for longer stretches.
Consider the following safety tips:
Preventing theft from auto
This is one of the most common types of crime in Delta.
Police do patrols to prevent this crime from occurring, but officers can’t be everywhere all the time.
Follow the simple steps below can help dramatically reduce thefts from auto:
Remove valuables from your vehicle
If you have to leave valuables in your vehicle, keep them out of sight
Wait for garage door gates to close behind you / keep your garage door opener out of sight
Use an electronic immobilize or steering wheel lock
Lock the doors
Do not store a spare key in your vehicle
Park in secure well-lit areas and if you have a garage, use it.
Preventing residential break-and-enters
Lighting – Make sure your property is well-lit. Utilize motion activated lights on the exterior of your property. In the fall and winter months when it gets dark early, interior lights on a timer can be beneficial to make it appear as though someone is home
Alarms / Door and Window Chimes – Alarms and / or window and door chimes can be advantageous in preventing crime. Alarms can deter would be offenders and can allow the police to respond in a timely manner instead of after the fact. Window and door chimes can also deter offenders and can notify any occupants that a window or door has been opened.
Change pass codes on electronic locks and garage doors from time to time.
Trim shrubs and bushes to eliminate hiding spots and never hide keys outside.
Do not announce your vacation or trips on social media.
Vacation safety
Ask someone you trust to check on your home and move your mail and newspapers inside
Install timers on indoor lights
Ensure motion sensor lights outside your home are working
Considering registering for CASA (vacation home checks) through Delta Community Police Offices.
