Parking garage theft cases at a Penticton, British Columbia apartment complex have left residents feeling unsafe. This multifamily community has a multi-level underground parking garage where most of the reported criminal activity took place.
Reports of criminal activity can have lasting, long-term effects on a residential site. It could damage the physical property and potentially decrease occupancy rates, property marketability, and annual revenue.
One of the apartment residents said she felt violated and would be safer parking on the street rather than in the underground parkade. Her van was broken into and had about $1,000 CAD worth of personal items stolen. This woman was not the only parking garage theft victim. Another resident had her $3,000 bike stolen from a storage locker. A third property theft victim had his golf clubs taken from the 20-unit residential property.
The residents want better security. One of them recommended putting surveillance cameras in the underground parking garage and installing something to latch bikes to. Another victim said he thought the building’s locks had changed because someone had access to the building who shouldn’t have.
The property manager declined to give an on-camera interview. However, he said additional measures have been taken to increase on-site security. One possible solution under consideration is to install surveillance cameras in the underground parking garage.
Local police officers made a parking garage theft arrest. The suspect, who was not a resident of the multifamily property, was identified through security video. Members of the Targeted Enforcement Unit recognized him. Local authorities recommended that the suspect be charged with breaking and entering, two counts of possession of stolen property, theft, possession of breaking and entering tools, and possession of a controlled substance.
The police representative said the residents need to be more vigilant. They should not leave valuables visible in their cars. Property crime isn’t just a problem in Penticton. This issue is also occurring throughout Okanagan, British Columbia.
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