The Burnaby RCMP has created a new task force to deal with rising break-ins in Burnaby.
The protection of peoples property is one of our highest priorities, said Chief Supt. Dave Critchley in a press release. As such, Burnaby RCMP has no intention of allowing these crimes to continue unchallenged. In an effort to assist the members of the property crimes unit in dealing with this heavier-than-usual caseload, I am announcing the formation of a special task force, specifically mandated to address this issue.
Police have seen a significant rise in the number of break-ins, in both residential and commercial properties throughout the city. Cpl. Dave Reid, media relations officer for the Burnaby RCMP, said the rise in break-ins was happening across the city and not in one particular neighbourhood.
District one, which is the Hastings-Gilmore area, theyve been hit pretty hard, he said. But this has spread all over the city. Our concern is the stats are up everywhere.
Reid said every few years, the numbers tend to go up, police respond in kind, and the numbers drop.
But then every four or five years, it happens again, he said.
Reid said the police have not received any reports of violent confrontations during the break and enters.
Police are also asking the public to help identify suspects, caught on video surveillance footage and still photographs, in the act of breaking into businesses and residences. (The footage will be on the Burnaby RCMP website soon. Check burnaby.rcmp-grc.gc.ca for updates.)
To report crime tips, call the Burnaby RCMP at 604-294-7618.
