Since the floods in November, Merritt RCMP say they’ve seen a significant rise in the number of break and enter reports at vacant homes in the Phase 4 area of the city.

“From this year to last year, [we’ve seen] a 100 per cent increase in break and enters in that area,” Acting Detachment Commander, Sgt. Josh Roda, told NL News. “I don’t believe that it is something that is organized. I think it is just people that are coming across this as crimes of opportunity.”

Speaking on the NL Noon report, Roda is asking people to ensure their doors and windows are locked, as he says a number of these instances could have been prevented.

“Unfortunately as police, we can’t be everywhere at once,” he said. “When people are making their way through these areas and they find vacant homes and vacant garages, they try door handles and if their open, they’ll go inside. And if there are items left in there, they will take them.”

Roda also says to leave your interior and exterior lights on timers and to install cameras and alarm systems, if you’re able to. He is also encouraging people to keep shrubs and bushes on their properties trimmed, and to ensure things like BBQ’s and lawnmowers are securely stored away and not left outside.

“We recognize the frustration of home owners,” Roda added. “We want to encourage home owners to use the crime prevention methods to deter thieves from targeting their vacant homes. Please be assured we are out patrolling daily, but cannot be everywhere at once.”

Merritt RCMP say if you’ve had something stolen from your home or garage, to not touch anything and call them immediately at 250-378-4262.