Tuesday December 9, 2014 (Vol. 39 No. 98)
V O I C E
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W H I T E
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S O U T H
S U R R E Y
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Scholarly appeal: The Canadian Federation of University Women’s club is inviting Peninsula women to discover more about the organization. i see page 11
RCMP urge vigilance as thieves target mostly unsecured homes, garages and vehicles
Daily break-ins plague South Surrey Tracy Holmes Staff Reporter
On average, a South Surrey home was broken into every day in November. The statistic was shared by Surrey RCMP in an effort to encourage residents to do “everything they can� to prevent becoming victims. “The first three weeks, we saw exactly 21,� Cpl. Bert Paquet said Monday. “What was consistent was the way they would enter.�
According to the most recent crime-analysis report, the majority of residential breakand-enters involved unsecured premises or the use of garage-door openers. Items taken included jewelry and electronics. While the incidence has tapered off – and an arrest announced – Paquet said it’s believed one or more perpetrators remain at large. “There’s still some (break-ins) that haven’t been linked to a subject of interest,� he said. “It
warranted us to issue some kind of warning.� Last Wednesday, police announced 21 charges against a Surrey man in connection with a three-day spree of break-ins and vehicle thefts that occurred in South Surrey and Cloverdale Nov. 24-26. Curtis Anderson is due back in Surrey Provincial Court on Thursday. Paquet said simple steps, such as locking doors and windows, can go a long way to deterring thieves, who are typically looking
for easy targets. In the majority of the November cases, culprits did not actually have to break anything to gain access, he said. For homes, he said residents could consider installing a security system if they plan to be away for days. For vehicles, he recommends removing valuables and using an anti-theft device. “Treat your garage-door remote as if it was a key to your house, because it is,� he said.
Yachters light up bay
Decking the hulls Nick Greenizan Staff Reporter
Gord Goble photos
The view from White Rock pier.
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Aside from some choppy waters in Semiahmoo Bay, Saturday’s Christmas Lighted Boat Parade went swimmingly, organizers of the annual holiday event told Peace Arch News. “It was a great day to be out there – nice and warm,� said International Yacht Club of BC port captain Bruce Blandy, adding that organizers were glad to have missed the subtropical storm that is expected to hit the Lower Mainland this week, bringing with it high winds and extraordinary amounts of rain. “We’re glad we won’t have that. It was a bit choppy at times, but nothing we couldn’t handle,� he said. Nearly 20 boats took part in this year’s parade, which saw local watercraft – decked out in holiday lights and decorations – make two passes through the bay, in front of the White Rock Pier. As well, there were a handful of boats which were taking part in the parade for the first time, Blandy noted. “There were probably five or so new boats – people who decided to come out and get into the Christmas spirit. It was great.� As in past years, the White Rock pier and waterfront was filled with revellers out to catch a glimpse of the brightly decorated boats. According to Tourism White Rock, about 1,000 people lined the pier and promenade.
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