Burglars increasingly targeting unlocked homes

Burglars citywide are increasingly taking advantage of unlocked doors and windows to swipe jewelry, coins and other small electronics, Vancouver police report.

The uptick in residential burglaries began in late March, said Kim Kapp, a police spokeswoman. A large number of break-ins have occurred in what the police department calls “District 2,” which runs from Interstate 5 on the west to Andresen Road on the east.

In more brazen efforts, burglars are breaking windows at homes somewhat hidden from neighboring eyes. The perpetrators have also crawled through dog doors and entered through side garage doors.

The police department’s Neighbors on Watch volunteers have patrolled the targeted areas, including a Friday night saturation operation that focused on auto prowls and burglaries.

Kapp said the burglaries are taking place between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m., when homeowners are at work. Some are occurring just after the lunch hour, when residents who go home for lunch leave without locking their doors.

“Neighbors keeping an eye on each other is a good preventative method,” she said.

An increase in burglaries commonly accompanies warming weather, likely because residents are opening doors and windows to cool houses.

Anyone who witnesses suspicious activity is encouraged to call 911.