The Vancouver Police Department is warning home and business owners to be cautious about security as the weather warms. There have been 746 residential break-and-enters in Vancouver so far this year. Although the number is down 21 per cent from last year, police still advise homeowners to remain vigilant, particularly since 27 per cent of these residential break-ins show no signs of forced entry. In spring and summer, people spend more time outdoors and leave windows and doors open to stay cool, which give criminals a "window of opportunity" to get inside. There have been 610 break-and-enters to businesses so far this year, up 15 per cent from last year. Any potential point-of-entry can be used by thieves to enter, police say. Windows and doors should be secured and locking mechanisms installed.
