A string of early morning break-ins in Ladner has prompted a warning to residents to lock their doors and secure their windows.
DPD were notified of two break and enters, and what appears to be a third attempted break and enter along Frigate and Ferry Roads in Ladner on Thursday.
Police received a report around 5 a.m. from a neighbour of a suspicious person rummaging through vehicles parked in a driveway on Frigate Road. Police attended right away and alerted the residents, while other officers began searching for a suspect.
After speaking with the residents about the break-in to their vehicles, both police and the residents realized that someone had apparently entered the home earlier that morning, while the residents were asleep. Several items were noted to be missing. The point of entry was determined to be a window on the main floor.
Around 5:30 a.m. a 9-1-1 call was made about a break and enter in progress on Ferry Road. Police arrived on scene immediately, as they were already in the area, looking for a suspect from the earlier break-in.
In this instance a resident was actually woken up, with the realization that an intruder was in their home. The resident yelled at the intruder, scaring him, causing him to flee the home.
It is believed that a door may have been accidentally left unlocked in this instance. Nothing appeared to have been stolen, as the suspect was interrupted.
“It would have been rather shocking for the residents in both these situations, particularly for the individual who actually confronted the suspect,” said Insp. Ciaran Feenan, head of patrol services for DPD. “It’s definitely a violation to realize that your home has been broken into, particularly when you are there during the break-in.”
Feenan added this type of crime is relatively uncommon in Delta, for someone to break in while a home is occupied.
“Unfortunately, although we had a significant police response to the area, we weren’t able to locate the suspect,” said Feenan, adding the suspect description in both instances is similar, and the investigation is well underway.
A third report of damage to a window screen in another residence was also made to police. In this instance there was no entry made to the home.
“We want to take the opportunity to remind residents that as the weather warms up, to please remember to double check that doors are locked, and windows shut before going to sleep, or leaving the home,” he said. “At the same time, remember to remove valuables from vehicles, and lock car doors.”
Residents in the area are encouraged to check CCTV to see if video footage shows anyone in the area, early May 6. If anything suspicious is noted, they are asked to report this to police at 604-946-4411. Residents can also register their CCTV with Delta Police, so that police have a record of cameras that may be active in the area.
