Chilliwack RCMP report uptick in residential break and enters across the city

CHILLIWACK – Mounties in Chilliwack say there’s been a noticeable increase in residential break and enters across the city, many of which involve unlocked vehicles and garage door openers now being used to access homes.

According to a statement from Chilliwack RCMP spokesperson Corporal Carmen Kiener, police recorded seven concerning break and enters during the week of Monday, April 27 through to Sunday, May 3. Police are reminding residents to lock vehicles, remove vehicles and to always secure garage remotes.

On Monday, April 27, a home on Fourth Avenue in Chilliwack was damaged as suspects forced entry and stole thousands of dollars in irreplaceable hand tools.

That same day (Monday, Apr. 27), an unlocked vehicle parked in a Garrison driveway on Sappers Way was accessed, and a garage door opener was utilized to access the home, resulting in the theft of a high-value mountain bike.

Four days later on Thursday, April 30, an unsecured garage fob was used to access a home on Swanson Street, located southwest of Vedder Road and Stevenson Road in Sardis. Two vehicles, their keys, and a wallet were stolen. Corporal Kiener says one vehicle was quickly recovered a short distance away. GPS tracking from a separate theft from vehicle report later led police to the second stolen vehicle. The vehicle was unoccupied and seized by police for further forensic examination.

That same day (Thursday), a homeowner returned to their Armitage Street residence (near Broadway and First Avenue) to find two dogs stolen from inside the home. As officers were on scene investigating, the woman believed to be responsible returned to the area and fled upon seeing police. The woman, well known to police, was arrested and will appear in court. Both dogs were later recovered unharmed from a property associated to the woman and have been reunited with their owners.

Also on April 30, a home believed to be left unlocked on Victoria Avenue was entered. Electronics and a wallet were stolen.

Over the weekend, an unlocked vehicle was accessed on Fern Street (near Sardis Secondary), allowing entry into the residence using a garage opener. Numerous electronics were stolen. GPS tracking led officers to recover most of the items nearby which had been discarded by the suspects. The items were returned to the owner.

On Sunday, May 3, an unlocked vehicle on Midtown Way was used to access a residence. Tools, electronics, and personal items were stolen.

For the week of Apr. 27-May 3, police recorded the following:

• Total calls for service: 877
• Property Crimes: 130
• Crimes against persons: 67
• Mental Health Calls: 39
• Impaired Driving: 5
• Missing Persons: 11