RCMP Warn Of Targeted Break And Enters On The North Island

After two reported break-ins at residences in Campbell River and similar break-ins in the Comox Valley, RCMP are issuing a warning regarding the incidents.

Police say there is evidence to suggest thieves are targeting residences that belong to small business owners of Asian descent.

Constable Maury Tyre says the break-ins appear to occur while the owners are at work. Investigators believe that an organized crime group may be placing GPS trackers on the victims' vehicles to track their whereabouts.

Investigators in the Comox Valley have indicated that the residences may be visited by the thieves before the intrusion to determine if anyone is home.

Constable Holly Carlson, of the Comox Valley RCMP, said if the suspects encounter the homeowner, they may mention that they are at the wrong house.

The RCMP are asking homeowners to contact police immediately if they have a similar occurrence at their home.

The two incidents under investigation in Campbell River happened Wednesday and Thursday last week (March 6th and 7th) on Garden Way and Joanne Drive.

Earlier cases date back to February 24th on Hornby Place in Courtenay, February 28th on Aspen Road in Comox, and March 1st on Thorpe Ave in Courtenay.

RCMP offered these tips to safeguard homes against intruders:
-If you plan on being away for any length of time ensure your home looks lived in - that snow removal or lawn care  is completed while you are away and have somebody check regularly on your home
-Installation of security lights and cameras on the exterior of the home acts as a deterrent
-Double checking all doors and windows prior to departing your home for the day
-Ensuring that you have quality locks on all your doors and windows and adding stops or pins to prevent prying on any sliding exterior doors
-Use timers on indoor lights and tamper-proof, motion sensor lights around the perimeter of your home

Lighting is the most effective crime prevention tool since criminals do not want to be seen.