Eighteen car break-ins in one night
RCMP issue warning after windows smashed, doors damaged, property stolen from downtown vehicles
Jessica Davey-Quantick
Northern News Services
Friday, September 16, 2016
SOMBA K'E/YELLOWKNIFE
Yellowknife RCMP are warning people to watch their cars after receiving 18 reports of vehicles being broken into in one night.
On Tuesday night, Mounties received multiple reports of vehicles that were broken into.
Windows were broken and doors were damaged, and property was stolen throughout the downtown residential area.
"The damage to the vehicles has been substantial, and the items that were stolen vary in each case. We are not publishing detailed information on the items at this time," stated RCMP civilian spokesperson Marie York-Condon in an e-mail to Yellowknifer.
The break-ins were concentrated around Matonabee Street, Gitzel Street, 52 Street, 49 Street, 48 Street, 47 Street and Raven's Court. But the RCMP is warning all residents to look out for suspicious activity.
"While theft from vehicles is often a crime of opportunity, the break-ins last night were forced entry. While it is still best to lock your vehicles and not leave valuables in plain sight, we are urging people to be extra vigilant in keeping an eye on your, and your neighbour's property," stated Cordon.
She stated the best way people can safeguard their vehicles is to pay attention.
"As these were forced entry, the steps to safeguard a person's vehicle is more geared to being aware of the surroundings of where that vehicle is parked. Parking in a well-lit area, near street lights or in secured buildings such as a garage is suggested. Keeping an eye on your vehicle, and those of your neighbours on the street will increase the opportunity for suspicious activity to be reported to the Yellowknife RCMP," she stated.
The RCMP was not releasing any information about suspects at press time.
This is the latest suspicious incident this month -eight children were sent to the hospital after the playground at Range Lake North elementary school was vandalized with bear spray on Sept. 6.
The RCMP is asking anyone with information of these incidents or any suspicious activity to contact the Yellowknife RCMP, or report it anonymously through Crimestoppers.
