A recent break-in investigation has prompted local Mounties to caution Burnaby residents not to give strangers knocking at their doors any information that could make breaking in easier.
Break-in/Shutterstock
“During a recent investigation into a break-in at a home, Burnaby RCMP discovered that the homeowner had disclosed information to a stranger who had knocked at the homeowner’s house which potentially aided the thieves,” stated a recent RCMP press release. “The homeowner disclosed to this stranger that they were due to leave the home and arrived home later that day to find that their home had been broken into.”
Police say potential victims may get a phone call or a knock on the door from a suspect asking for someone who doesn’t live there.
“The suspect may ask follow-up questions such as, ‘Are you headed out soon?’ ‘Who lives next door?’ These questions are asked so that the suspect can gain some insight into whether your home or your neighbour's home may be an easy target for property crime,” said the release.
To thwart thieves, RCMP recommend the following response.
-Politely tell the person that no one by that name lives at your address.
-Don't feel obligated to open your door to someone you don't recognize.
-Do not divulge any information about yourself or your plans for the day.
-Do not divulge any information that may assist a suspect in gaining entry to a neighbour’s home.
-Always report any suspicious activity to police, and, if you feel you are not safe, call 911 immediately.
Burnaby RCMP is also recommending other measures, including joining a BlockWatch program, to keep homes safe as the darker evenings of the winter months approach.
Contact the crime prevention unit at crimeprevention@burnaby.ca or 604-646-9811 to learn if there is a BlockWatch in your area.
