Powell River RCMP reported the following for May 2 to 8, 2019.
Total calls for service: 117
Thefts: 6
Assaults: 3
Impaired driving: 4
Mischief: 5
Break and enter: 4
May 3; Texada Island
Texada Island RCMP received a call about a suspicious container located against a fence near one of the BC Hydro substations. An officer attended the scene and located a round sealed container with a wire hanging out of it. The Explosive Disposal Unit from Vancouver was contacted and later attended the scene to further examine the container. It was determined that the container was not an explosive device.
May 4; Joyce Avenue, 4400 block
A resident was awoken by a loud noise in the house. When he got up and investigated he found a male suspect standing in his kitchen. The suspect was confronted and fled the scene. The homeowner recognized the male from his workplace and once he secured a photo of the suspect he called police. It did not take police long to identify and locate the suspect, who was taken into custody. A 23-year-old male of no fixed address was charged with break and enter and taken before the courts, where he was subsequently released.
May 5; Invermere Court, 6900 block
At approximately 5:30 pm, police were called to a report of a break and enter. The homeowners advised that while in their backyard they had left their garage door insecure. When they returned to the garage the door was wide open and there was evidence that unknown suspect(s) had rummaged through it.
As the weather gets nicer and homeowners are enjoying their yards, please ensure your doors are locked. It is a common MO for criminals to enter a house or garage while the residents are busy in the backyard. Powell River RCMP will be starting a Block Watch program. Everyone is welcome to visit a setup at the farmers’ market on June 9 and June 16 to learn more about the program. Contact constable Paula Perry for more information at 604.485.6255.
Police have been receiving an increase in reports of theft from vehicles in all areas of the city. All thefts have been from vehicles that were left unsecure. The RCMP is encouraging residents to take part in the 9 pm routine, which encourages residents to protect themselves and their loved ones from becoming victims of crime by locking and securing their homes and vehicles every night at 9 pm. This initiative also encourages people to lead by example and share through social media that they have completed the routine using hashtag #9PMRoutine. The 9 pm routine has a few simple steps:
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Remove keys, wallets, cash, garage door openers and other valuables from vehicles.
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Ensure vehicle and home windows are shut (and locked, if possible).
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Close and lock doors on vehicles and homes. Don’t forget to check your shed if you have one.
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Close overhead garage doors.
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Turn on outside lights.
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Post that you’ve completed the #9PMRoutine on social media.
Anyone with information about the incidents above is asked to contact Powell River RCMP at 604.485.6255, or to remain anonymous, contact Crime Stoppers at 1.800.222.TIPS (8477) or online at bccrimestoppers.com.