It appears to be a mixed bag of results if you’re watching the crime trends this year in Burnaby.
Burnaby’s crime stats show robberies and personal robberies continue to drop compared to 2014, according to quarterly stats provided by the RCMP, and while break and enters into businesses are also down, residential break-ins are up in three of four districts in the community.
The report from Burnaby’s top cop, RCMP Chief Supt. Dave Critchley, also noted auto thefts have dropped significantly compared to last year, but the detachment is concerned about a recent rash of theft from vehicles that involved the suspects smashing windows in several areas of the city.
Over the last month, the NOW has received several emails and calls from Burnaby residents about the vandalism, most recently in the Brentwood area.
The situation has prompted Mounties to issue a warning and offer recommendations to the public to avoid becoming a victim.
Police recommend parking in a secure and well-lit area – suggesting you’re less likely to have your car stolen or items taken from your car – and to remove possessions from your vehicle.
RCMP also noted specialized units are actively investigating the most recent rash of incidents.
A further breakdown shows there were 159 residential break and enters across the city between July and September, compared to 165 in the same time last year.
There have been 708 reported break and enters in Burnaby so far in 2015.
There were 577 reported cases of thefts from vehicles across the city in the third quarter compared to 494 during the same period last year.
There were 128 stolen vehicles from July to September compared to 192 in the same months of 2014.
Critchley also noted the number of residential break-ins tends to increase this time of year because of the shorter days when the dark streets become more hospitable to potential crooks.
He said the local detachment will establish a break- and-enter task force to target any spikes in the potential crime.
The quarterly report also pointed out some bigger cases and successes by the department.
In one case, two men were arrested and one charged with assault causing bodily harm after a Burnaby man was allegedly attacked and seriously injured while walking home on the morning of Aug. 1.
In another case, Mounties busted up a dial-a-dope operation in Burnaby following a three-month investigation. Four suspects were arrested, including two Burnaby residents. Police seized three imitation guns, cocaine, crack cocaine, heroin, cash, cellphones and a vehicle.
