The Vancouver Police Department (VPD) has issued a warning to residents regarding a new method used by burglars in the city. Investigators are looking into a series of break-ins where hot glue was strategically applied to apartment doors.
Details of the Break-Ins
The incidents occurred between August and December of the previous year. Investigators have identified ten break-ins across five apartment buildings in Vancouver and one in Burnaby. All these break-ins share a common feature: glue residue on the doorframe of the targeted apartments.
How the Burglars Operate
According to VPD Property Crime Sgt. Stan Dy, suspects infiltrate buildings during the night. They apply hot glue to the top corner of apartment doors, creating a strand between the door and the frame.
- If residents return home, opening the door breaks the strand of glue.
- If residents are away, the glue remains intact, signaling to the thieves that the apartment is unoccupied.
This method allows burglars to return days later to break into the apartments with the intact glue.
Targeted Buildings
Most of the break-ins have taken place in older apartment buildings. These locations often lack adequate security measures, including:
- Open stairwell doors
- Buildings without security cameras
Broader Implications
This alarming tactic is not confined to Vancouver. Similar incidents where glue has been used to target apartments have also been reported in Ontario and Alberta.
Call for Community Support
The VPD is encouraging anyone with information related to these break-ins to come forward. Residents can contact the investigators at 604-717-0610.
Enhancing awareness and vigilance within the community could help prevent further incidents of this nature. It is crucial for residents to inspect their doors regularly for any signs of tampering, including glue.
