The purpose of the Crime Beat is to educate and inform the public about some of the property crime trends occurring in South Delta and other files of interest. If you see anything occurring that you believe to be suspicious, call 911 for in-progress crimes and emergencies or 604-946-4411 for other assistance.
The following are some of the calls the Delta police responded to in the previous week:
Tsawwassen April 6, 11:52 a.m., 1700-block of 55th Street: Complainant claimed he was in the park and a male working in the area took out a long pipe and made a vague threatening statement before leaving the park in his pickup. Police located the vehicle and initiated a stop. The suspect was cooperative with police and indicated he had broken his rake while doing volunteer cleanup work in the park and adamantly denied any threats to anyone. Police located the broken rake and the threat complaint could not be substantiated.
April 7, 7:33 a.m., 5300-block of Upland Drive: Complainant reported a suspicious male going through her garbage outside her residence. Police attended and located the suspect who was collecting bottles to recycle. The complainant indicated she was new to Delta and was not familiar with the concept of "binners." She also indicated the suspect was not on her property but going through the garbage in the street. The suspect was cooperative with police and left when sent on his way.
April 7, 12:31 p.m., 1900-block of 56th Street: Complainant reported that her vehicle front passenger window was smashed while left in the church parking lot for about an hour and that her purse containing cell phone, passport and credit cards stolen. The complainant cancelled all documents and cards with authorities. No suspects.
April 10, 2:01 p.m., 1200-block of 56th Street: A business reported a female was observed selecting various small cosmetics and attempting to leave without paying. When confronted by staff, the suspect fled in a black sporty hatchback. The suspect is described as 5' 10", medium build, sandy blond hair, wearing jeans and a black jacket. Video surveillance to be examined for possible identification of the suspect.
April 10, 9:32 p.m., 200-block of Murphy Drive: Complainant reported her home was entered sometime during the past few days while she was out of town. The suspect left the lights on, the tub full of water and used a towel. The complainant had purchased the home two weeks prior and believes the suspect entered the home via the electronic lock on the front door using a pass code. Lock is scheduled to be changed. Police to follow up with real estate agent and previous homeowner.
Overnight on April 13-14 there were four incidents of thefts from vehicles in the 65th Street/3rd Avenue area in which vehicle windows were broken and the vehicles rummaged through. In three of the four occurrences, the owners had left their garage door remotes in the cars and the garage doors were used to open garages and steal tools, sporting goods and other items. Delta police are reminding the public to remove all valuables from vehicles and that garage door openers can give thieves easy access to your garage and in turn your house.
Ladner April 7, 11:07 a.m., 3600-block of Arthur Drive: Report received of a driver swerving onto the shoulder twice and nearly colliding with a telephone pole. The vehicle appeared to have already been in an accident with the rear window smashed, the back dented and the taillight hanging off. Police attended the residence of the vehicle owner but were unable to make contact and the vehicle was unable to be located while being driven. A letter was sent to the registered owner of the vehicle warning him of the consequences of any future driving conduct.
April 7, 12:01 p.m., 4800-block of Harbour Stroll: Complainant reported she left her vehicle in the parking lot while she was in the park. When she returned the driver's window was smashed and her purse and contents were stolen. Complainant advised to cancel all cards and contact ICBC. The driver's licence information will be added to the police database.
April 9, 2:25 a.m., Highway 17: Police received a report that a vehicle heading north was swerving all over the road, crossing into both lanes and at one point leaving the roadway. Police located the vehicle and conducted a traffic stop. The driver was showing symptoms of possible intoxication and provided breath samples. As the samples read "Pass," a police officer trained in screening for substances other than alcohol conducted a test and concluded the suspect was under the influence of a drug. Police issued a 24-hour suspension and the vehicle was towed from the scene. A friend drove the suspect home.
April 9, 11:56 p.m., 5000-block of 36th Avenue: Witness observed a darkcoloured pickup truck containing four or five young males attempting to steal a blue Ford Ranger by winching it across a field from where it was stored. The vehicle became stuck in the ditch and the winch cable snapped. The males then fled the area. Police attended and found the vehicle in the ditch, having damaged a water pipe and two mailboxes. No suspects and a patrol of the area proved negative.
April 10, 4:44 p.m., 5000-block of 47th Avenue: Police responded to a report of a youth who had caused mischief in the park washroom. The youth admitted to police he had knocked over a partition wall as well as damaging the toilet, claiming that he was depressed at being teased at school. Investigation found the school and home are dealing with youth's issues. Police advised that possible charges or alternative measures will likely result from the mischief.
