Flin Flon RCMP are urging residents to secure their garages after a rash of break-ins saw chainsaws and other items stolen.
Between last Wednesday, April 22 and Monday afternoon, seven garage and shed break-ins and one camper break-in were reported.
In many cases the garages were unlocked, but in some instances the culprit or culprits broke off the locks, said Cpl. Stacy Wiens.
Half of the break-ins resulted in reported thefts, with two chainsaws, one laptop computer and one speaker stolen.
Five of the break-ins occurred on Dominion Boulevard and Manitoba Avenue. Two others were on nearby Queen Street and Princess Boulevard. The remaining break-in was on Prince Charles Place.
The break-ins took place overnight, but specific times are unknown.
Police have no suspects and have not recovered any of the stolen items. Wiens would not speculate as to whether the culprit or culprits used a vehicle.
Other than the fact that they are typically stored in garages and sheds, it is not clear why thieves would be interested in chainsaws.
Wiens noted that a previous rash of break-ins in Creighton also saw multiple chainsaws stolen.
Protections
He encourages residents to take steps to protect their garages and sheds, including ensuring the buildings are locked and that motion-sensor lighting is installed.
Residents should also maintain a written description of valuable items, including serial numbers, distinguishable marks and engravings.
This information can help police trace items should they ever be stolen, Wiens said.
In addition to the break-ins, Wiens said there have been reports of individuals rummaging through unlocked vehicles.
He advises residents to park in well-lit areas if possible, ensure that valuable items are removed from vehicles and to lock their vehicle doors.
Flin Flon RCMP ask anyone with information on the garage and shed break-ins, or any other unsolved crimes, to contact them at 204-687-1423 or the anonymous Crime Stoppers line at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).
Callers to Crime Stoppers need never reveal their identity and may become eligible for a cash reward. Tips can also be submitted online by Googling “Manitoba Crime Stoppers.”
