June 25, 2021

String of B&Es in Beach Grove prompts police advisory

Police are investigating after a string of thefts from vehicles, as well as break and enters were reported from the Beach Grove area of Tsawwassen.

Thirteen separate reports were made to police on June 24 from residents on Enderby, Duncan and Compston streets.  Police believe the incidents are likely related as they all occurred June 24 between midnight and 8 am. “

One commonality officers have found is that a thief or thieves would enter an unlocked vehicle, or occasionally break into a vehicle, then use the garage door opener to access the garage of the residence,” says Cris Leykauf, spokesperson for Delta Police. It did not appear that the suspect/s attempted or gained access to the living quarters of any residences.

A road bike, an electronic bike, a laptop and a backpack are among the items reported stolen.

A barking dog woke up and alerted one resident to the theft from his open garage. He contacted police who attended and did patrols of the area and surrounded streets, but did not see anything suspicious at that time.

“Fortunately in most of the incidents, vehicles were simply rummaged through, though a number of garage door openers were also taken,” explains Leykauf.

Residents who had garage door openers stolen were advised to disconnect or deactivate the garage door opener, if it could not be re-programmed right away.

Anyone who may have witnessed suspicious behaviour in the area during the very early hours of June 24 is asked to contact Delta Police at 604-946-4411. Those in the area with CCTV/security cameras are requested to review footage, and advise police of anything noteworthy, if they haven’t yet been in contact with police. Residents with security cameras are also asked to consider registering for the DPD Community Watch Program, so police are aware of areas which might have video available. https://deltapolice.ca/cwp/

Thefts from vehicles are typically crimes of opportunity and police advice that locking car doors is one of the best forms of prevention, as is ensuring the vehicle is empty of all valuables – or even possessions that look like they might have value.