TERRACE RCMP are seeing a rash of break and enters. In the past three weeks there have been seven residential break and enters.
In a majority of these incidents things that are easy to grab, hide, and sell are stolen. Electronics are a big item. Tablets, computers, video consoles, games, and cell phones are prime targets for thieves. And of course cash. Anything of value that is small and easy to carry is potentially something a thief will take,
says Cst Angela Rabut, Community Policing/Media Relations Terrace RCMP.
The first step to combating thieves is to secure your belongings. Take a walk around your house and property and assess how secure your place is. If you are not sure of what to look for call the Terrace RCMP. Two of Terrace’s Auxiliary Constables are trained in Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design. They can walk with you around your house and property and give you some tips as to how to improve the security of your home and belongings.
The second step is to take an inventory of what you own. Write down the make, model, and serial number of those items that you hope will make it back to you if they get stolen. Keep a hard copy of this record. If your item gets stolen the serial number will be entered into our data bank. Then later on down the road if a police officer suspects an item is stolen the data bank can be checked and if it is your item and it was entered as stolen that item can be seized and it will make its way back to you.
The third step is to not support the thieves by buying these items. In some cases the items are being sold through social media sites like Facebook. They will be flogged cheap.
Do not support these thieves by buying these items, as tempting as it is to get a good deal. It completes this circle of theft. As a community we need to break that circle. If you suspect that an item you purchased might be stolen bring it down to the detachment and we will check it for you. To be in possession of stolen property is a criminal code offence.
Finally, get to know your neighbors.
The most effective method of combatting crime is for community members watching out for each other. If you see hear or see something suspicious call the Terrace RCMP at 250-638-7400 right away.