A cat burglary in Walnut Grove allowed the bandit to scare the homeowner and make off with the family car and more.
This “rude awakening” has motivated Mounties to once again issue a reminder to local residents to be vigilent, said Langley RCMP Cpl. Holly Largy.
Police responded to a break-in to a residence during the early morning hours of Thursday, Feb. 1.
The Walnut Grove woman woke to find a man, dressed in black, in her living room, Largy explained.
“The cat burglar made no move towards the woman, who screamed and chased him out of the house.”
But, apparently prior to waking the residents, the bandit located keys to their Audi SUV and stole the vehicle out of the garage, the corporal elaborated.
Access to the home was gained by use of a garage door opener in another vehicle parked in the driveway.
Other items taken from the home include a purse and wallet, a cellphone, and all keys to both vehicles.
“Fortunately, no one was injured in this instance,” Largy said. “Circumstances such as this can take a drastically wrong turn resulting in a devastating outcome.”
That’s why Mounties are issuing a cautionary reminder to Langley resident, in hopes of preventing such situations.
“Ideally, we would like to avoid this situation altogether,” she added.
“You wouldn’t normally leave your house key in your vehicle, and the door opener is practically a key to the palace. Please consider removing the opener from your vehicle each day, particularly when you are parking outside.”
She also reminded to lock the inner garage door, so criminals aren’t able to access hte home and family.
“Two small things can make such a difference.”