Police in Airdrie say they are seeing a rise of car prowlings and break and enters over the past few months and are advising citizens to take a few precautions to deter offenders.
RCMP say officers have been dispatched to over 33 reports of break and enter to homes as well as thefts from vehicles in Airdrie suburbs since September 11, 2013.
They say the suspects are stealing garage door openers out of vehicles and are then using them to gain access to homes through the opened garage door.
The offenders have also vandalizing vehicles to get ahold of the garage door openers by damaging and punching the vehicle door locks.
Police say the culprits are only opening the garage door a couple of feet high to gain entry so they can avoid detection and noise.
RCMP in the area are seeking the public’s assistance to apprehend the culprits.
Police says residents can take a few precautions when securing their property and vehicles:
- Assure all vehicle doors are locked, whether they are parked on the street, in a residence driveway or parkade
- Do not leave any valuables in your vehicle
- Do not leave garage door openers in your vehicles, or in plain view (another suggestion is changing your garage door opener to a key fob which can be attached to your key chain)
- Park vehicles in a well-lit area
- Make sure the access door from the garage to the residence is locked at all times
- Report any suspicious people, vehicles and occurrences to the RCMP immediately
- Leave exterior lights to the residence on if possible
Police are asking for assistance in solving this crime and identifying these suspects. If you have any information on this incident please contact the Airdrie RCMP at (403) 945-7200 or Crime Stoppers at 1 (800) 222-8477
