Police warn citizens of parkade B&Es in Edmonton

The Edmonton Police Service is warning citizens of a number of parkade break and enters in northeast and northwest Edmonton.

Since Wednesday, Feb. 24, 2016, there have been five break and enters reported that are believed to have occurred overnight in the communities of Belvedere, Clareview Town Centre, Schonsee and Anthony Henday Lake District. In three of these incidents, storage lockers were also broken into.  

In February, eight reports of break and enters into parkades were reported in the neighbourhoods of Hudson, Pembina and Baranow within Northwest Division.

Police have identified some suspects and are asking the public to call the EPS with any information.

Suspect #1
The suspect is described as male, clean shaven with a heavy build. He was wearing a black puffy jacket, black baseball hat, grey sweat pants and Adidas running shoes.

Suspect #2
The suspect is described as a heavy-set male, about 30 to 45-years-old. He was wearing jeans, a black hooded jacket and a black baseball hat with a white DC logo.

There are also two suspect vehicles that may be related to some of these incidents. They are described as a silver Jaguar S-Type and a damaged dark blue Nissan Maxima.

Property reported stolen from storage lockers and vehicles includes tires and rims, sports equipment, bicycles, gym bags, purses, musical instruments, and other personal items.

The investigations continue. Police do not believe all of these parkade break and enter occurrences are related.

Tips to keep you and your vehicle safe when parking in a parkade:

• When entering or exiting an apartment or condominium parkade, always wait for the door to close. Watch for anyone sneaking in and call police if necessary. 
   
• Regardless of where you park your vehicle, do not leave anything in view. Remove all valuables.
• Always lock your vehicle to discourage persons from entering and searching your glove box. 
   
• Carry your registration and insurance with you. Do not leave it in the car. This will protect you against identity theft. 
   
• Do not leave a garage door opener in your vehicle. This is quite common in Edmonton, as a thief may use it to break into your house while you are away. 
   
• Theft of vehicle license plates is common. The Edmonton Police Service offers free anti-theft bolts to secure license plates. These are available at any police station. 
   
• Never leave a spare key in your vehicle. 
   
• Consider using a "club" to secure the steering wheel if you have an older vehicle without adequate anti-theft features. You can purchase one from an AMA near you (you don't have to be member). 
   
• Consider your personal safety. Parkades are often dark and deserted. Know what to do if something happens. The best defense against an attack is awareness and action. If faced with an uncomfortable or dangerous situation, leave the parkade and seek assistance.  

Police encourage anyone with information regarding these incidents to contact the EPS at 780-423-4567 or #377 from a mobile phone. Anonymous information can also be submitted to Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or online at http://ift.tt/1az8Eve.

from Media Releases http://ift.tt/1QyBs96