14

Jan
2014

Violent Crime Spree Sparks Fears

January 14th, 2014 | by admin admin | in News |    0   

On January 5, Jonathon Gerald Leblanc was arrested following an alleged violent crime spree across the Lower Mainland, including three stabbings, two carjackings and one home invasion. He now faces 16 charges.

While carjackings and home invasions are rare, such incidents can be alarming, especially for seniors. If you are a victim of a home invasion, co-operate as much as possible. Nothing you own is worth risking injury or death. Instead, focus on what the assailants look like. What are they wearing? How tall are they compared to your door frames? How heavy, compared to you? Hair, skin, eye colour? Any distinguishing features? The more details you note, the better you can describe the suspects to the police later. As soon as it is safe, call 9-1-1.

To protect yourself against home invasions, you can “harden the target” by

• Installing a solid wood or metal door, in a metal or reinforced frame, with a peephole.
• Using a floor-mounted door stop, which is more effective than a door chain.
• Installing a wide-angle viewer, which allows you to observe visitors without opening the door.
• Placing security film or Plexiglass inside your window to make it harder to break. This is especially important if the window is within 40 inches of the door lock.
• Ensuring door hinges are screwed securely through the door frame into the supporting stud.
• Replacing outside door hinges with non-removable ones.
• Installing a monitored home security system.

Keep your doors locked at all times, even if you’re home. If someone knocks, verify the person’s identity before you open the door. If you have a cordless or cellular phone, bring it to the door with you.

Again, home invasions seldom occur in Metro Vancouver. However, when they do, the consequences can be severe. Take steps to reduce your risk of harm.

For more information, check out the VPD’s Crime Prevention and Safety pages.

Note: This blog discusses general safety and security topics. It is not intended to provide comprehensive advice or guidance. In all matters of personal safety and security, we encourage readers to research topics in depth and consult a security professional about specific concerns.

Radius Security Vancouver, West Vancouver, North Vancouver, Burnaby, New Westminster, Richmond, Surrey, Langley, Coquitlam, Port Coquitlam, Port Moody, Ladner, Delta, Tsawwassen