Lake Country RCMP wish to urge residents to remain vigilant and report suspicious activity to police following an increase in break-ins to homes under construction.
On May 6, RCMP received three separate reports of break-and-enter and thefts from homes under construction. Police have learned that the thieves targeted a new home in the 9100 block of Heritage Drive, where all the home’s new kitchen appliances were stolen from inside the residence.
The suspect or suspects are believed to have also forced entry into a second home in the 8500 block of Heritage Court where more new kitchen appliances were taken.
Thieves also forcibly gained entry into a home under construction in the 1500 block of Marble Ledge Drive where more than $1,000 worth of tools were stolen.
RCMP in Lake Country have noticed an increase in break-and-enters reported to police in 2016.
During the period of Jan. 1 through May 19, RCMP have seen 31 reported break-and-enters, compared to 17 reported incidents during the same period of time in 2015, and 23 incident during the same period in 2014.
In some of these most recent cases, area residents reported to police after the incident, during neighbourhood canvassing, that they heard unusual noises in the middle of the night.
“Lake Country RCMP are continuing to investigate these crimes, however are asking the public to be extra vigilant,” said Const. Jesse O’Donaghey.
“The RCMP are urging the public to report any and all suspicious activities in and around construction sites, especially activities seemingly taking place after usual operating hours or overnight in relation to homes under construction and nearing completion.”
The RCMP would also like to recommend that contractors be mindful of the increase of offences targeting homes under construction and take appropriate steps to prevent loss.
Anyone with any information is asked to contact the Lake Country RCMP at 250-766-2288. Remain anonymous by calling Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477, leaving a tip online at www.crimestoppers.net or by texting your tip to CRIMES (274637) ktown.