A recent string of reported break-ins in South Surrey isn't necessarily, connected to a November RCMP release describing three suspects related to break-ins in the same area — and throughout the Lower Mainland.
While there have been 14 break-ins reported in South Surrey, Crescent Beach and Panorama Ridge — the same neighbourhoods mentioned in the Nov. 1, 2024 release describing a team of three males suspected of conducting the break-ins — two of those were attempts, with no break-ins completed, and three were to homes under construction, said Surrey Police Service senior media relations officer Staff Sgt. Lindsey Houghton Sunday (Feb. 9).
"So that leaves nine actual ... break-ins. Of those nine, four were to garages only and five were more like home or residence break-ins, and of of those five — in the majority of them — the people were away on holidays or for an extended period of time," he noted, adding that of the four garage thefts reported, at least two were likely, crimes of opportunity after thieves found the garage door opener in a vehicle.
"The car gets broken into, the person find the clicker, opens the garage door ... crime of opportunity, takes a couple tools or a bag of golf clubs," he said.
After reading all 14 reports, Houghton said there was no consistent pattern, with one suspect in some reports, two in others, and also, different vehicles used in each incident.
"There's nothing really that we would be able to say there's a pattern here or looks like the same suspects (as described in the Nov. 1 release)," Houghton said, adding that he understands how residents feel, having had his home broken into before.
"It's understandably very frustrating and concerning ... there's an element of fear," he said. "I've had my home broken into and it's very disconcerting, and you feel as if your privacy has been invaded."
Houghton said SPS officers continue to work with the RCMP's Surrey Provincial Operations Support Unit, which continues to provide frontline and investigative support in the area, and has increased patrols in the affected neighbourhoods since November.
"In addition we've connected with residents — some are victims of the break and enters, others are people who've contact us with concerns — we've connected with them and Block Watch groups and we've offered to set up meeting and discussions," Houghton said, noting the SPS has a Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED) officer who will walk through resident's homes with them.
Things like home security systems, CCTV, making sure your doors are locked, having good doors and dead bolts and things like not leaving ladders out are among many in a long list of tips that homeowners can do to "target-harden" their residence, Houghton added.
He also pointed out that the reported crimes are the only ones police know about, with more potentially having happened to homeowners who don't plan to file an insurance report and don't need a police incident number.
"We would encourage people to report it, even if they don't plan to file an insurance claim, as it helps us track (incidents)."
Peace Arch News has reached out to the City of Surrey as well.
