Home Security Matters: Coquitlam RCMP share break and enter prevention tips

October 23, 2026 - Coquitlam, British Columbia
From: Coquitlam RCMP

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Coquitlam RCMP is urging homeowners to strengthen their home security and take preventative measures to reduce opportunities for break and enters.

When leaving home for work, vacation, or other activities, the last thing anyone expects is to return and find their home has been broken into. Break and enters can have a significant impact on victims, resulting in the loss of valuable property, personal documents, and a sense of security. By taking a few simple preventative measures, residents can help make their homes less attractive targets for thieves.

Proactive strategies to consider include:

• Use a high-quality security camera system with motion detection that sends alerts directly to your mobile device;
• Ask a trusted neighbour or house sitter to monitor your property while you are away;
• Secure all doors and windows, on every floor, including sliding glass doors;
• Keep your residence well-lit with exterior motion-activated lighting and internal timed lights;
• Remove ladders, and other items which could be used to access hard to reach windows and entrances;
• Store valuable items in a secure safe or safety deposit box.
• Consider using tracking devices on high-value items to assist with recovery in the event of a theft;
• Keep valuables out of sight and park vehicles in a garage whenever possible.
• Use a loud, audible home alarm system;
• Keep a television or stereo on to give the impression that someone is inside the residence;
• Call the police non-emergency line immediately and provide a plethora of details if you observe suspicious people or vehicles in your neighbourhood – trust your instincts;
• Keep spare keys inside your home – hidden keys outside are easy to find;
• Always lock your doors, even when you’re safely inside – some criminals don’t care if you’re home;
• If you have a very predictable schedule or lifestyle, change it up occasionally to make yourself an even more difficult target to ascertain; and
• If you discover that your home has been broken into, call 9-1-1 immediately and avoid touching or disturbing anything so police can gather evidence such as fingerprints, DNA, and footprints.

“Your home is your castle; The more layers of security you have in place, the harder it becomes for would-be thieves to gain access,” says Coquitlam RCMP Media Relations Corporal John Graham. “By taking proactive steps to secure your home and remaining alert to suspicious activity, residents can play an important role in reducing property crime in our community.”

Remember, your safety comes first. Never put yourself in harm’s way. Call 9-1-1 in an emergency, and contact the Coquitlam RCMP non-emergency line at 604-945-1550 to report suspicious activity or non-urgent incidents

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