Over the course of this past week, there have been several break and enters to residences throughout Saanich.
In the early morning hours of Wednesday, August 6th, an unknown suspect entered an unlocked residence in the 2800 block of Admirals Road. One of the occupants of the home departed from the residence at 12:30 a.m., leaving the home unlocked. A female and a dog were asleep inside the home. Taken from the home were numerous items including a cellular phone, two laptop computers, an X-Box gaming system, and several credit cards. Upon return to the home at 2:30 a.m., the occupant observed some items had been disturbed but believed the other person in the home had moved the items. The thefts were not confirmed until later that morning. (File 2014-15249)
On August 6th, between the hours of 7:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., a residence in the 4700 block of Elk Lake Drive was entered and a large number of items were stolen. The residence was entered through an unlocked sliding glass door. Based on the number of items missing from the home, it would appear that a vehicle was likely used, and that the suspect(s) would have spent a considerable amount of time within the home. Included in the list of missing items were two laptop computers, a 40 inch flat screen television, a Nintendo Wii gaming system, a Takamine semi-acoustic guitar, a Gibson electric guitar, a Yamaha keyboard, and some jewellery. (File 2014-15306)
On August 10th, between the hours of 7:30 p.m. and 9:30 p.m., an apartment on the ground floor in the 3900 block of Shelbourne Street was entered. A screen was removed from an unlocked window, allowing the suspect to enter the apartment. The occupant of the apartment had left the suite and was visiting another apartment within the same building. When the occupant returned, it was evident that someone had been inside the apartment. Less than $50 cash was taken from the residence. (File 2014-15657)
Also on August 10th, and again between the hours of 7:30 p.m. and 9:30 p.m., a residence in the 1100 block of Union Street was entered. A screen covering an open second storey window was removed, after the suspect used a lawn chair
to gain access to the roof leading to the second level of the home. The only item missing from the home was several hundred dollars in cash. Given the mode of entry and the times of these two break-ins on this date, it is strongly believed that these two incidents are likely related. (File 2014-15655)
On August 11th, between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 4:45 p.m., an apartment in the 900 block of Inverness was entered. Investigation has revealed that the suspect likely used a pry tool of some description to defeat the deadbolt lock on the entry door to the apartment. The suspect likely left the residence by way of the balcony which was only a short distance from the ground. Missing from the residence was a laptop computer and several thousand dollars in cash. (File 2014-15704)
“Residents are reminded of the importance of locking all windows and doors upon leaving their residences, even if only for a short period of time” Sgt. Steve Eassie said. “If windows must be left open due to the warmer weather, locking mechanisms that allow the window slider to be locked while partially open would be suggested. These are readily available at hardware stores and can be easily installed.”
While it is difficult to say for certain whether these incidents are all related, there are some similarities amongst these incidents. Police are asking all area residents to be aware and to report any suspicious activity that may be observed.
Sgt. Steve Eassie #158