Police in Langley are 'very concerned' after two homes in Willoughby were robbed while the residents were sleeping.
With both break-ins, the cat burglar or burglars gained entry by using the garage door opener and accessing the home through the door connecting the garage to the interior of the home, said Langley RCMP.
This comes one week after Langley police warned residents in Willoughby about a spike in crime in the area, including break-ins using stolen garage openers that have been left inside vehicles.
It is traumatizing when a home is broken into while the residents are home and asleep, said Langley RCMP Cpl. Holly Largy.
"Some people are devastated after a break-in and would benefit from additional assistance.
Client Support Services (formerly Victim Services) is available and will assist with any necessary referrals or support, including the scheduling of a free home security inspection by Block Watch volunteers.”
Home Security Inspection Volunteers are trained and security-cleared individuals who will conduct an inspection of your home and provide you with information and suggest changes for increased safety.
Here are some additional ideas from police to consider for your garage door:
· Many garage door openers are equipped with a ‘lock’ function on the control panel. You may want to consider locking the overhead door as you head into your home at night.
· Key Fob Garage Door Opening Remote – This option is available for less than $20 and is an easy way to never leave your door opener in the car.
· Some of the newer garage door openers have a WiFi function that allows you to control the door with your Smartphone (ensure your WiFi is password protected).
· There is a product available equipped with a ‘timer-to-close’ feature to automatically close the garage door should you forget.
Lastly, make sure you lock your inner door at night so if burglars do get access to your garage, they likely won’t get any further.
Protect the ‘keys to your castle” – and the garage door opener is one of those keys.
To arrange for your free home security inspection, please call Langley RCMP at 604-532-3200.