The Port Moody Police Department is warning the public about an underground parkade property crime spike.
Since the start of the year, officers have responded to dozens of parkade thefts and break-ins within the Inlet Centre region of the city – mainly break-ins to storage lockers and thefts from parked vehicles at Suter Brook, Newport & Klahanie buildings.
In one recent event, two suspects were captured on CCTV breaking into a parkade storage room early on March 13, 2025, making off with valuables. Police are trying to identify these two men, and anyone with information about this alleged break & enter is asked to contact the police.
“We strongly recommend removing valuables from your parked vehicle as well as locking them since thieves will typically target unlocked autos” states Constable Sam Zacharias. “As for storage lockers, we suggest you document all items inside of your locker, check on your locker from time to time, and ensure it is properly secured with heavy-duty locks.”
They know the problem and they are doing nothing. We had more than 20 storage locker brakein in our building and they even showed up to the crime scene. Also, they arrested one of the thief and after 2 days the guy was released and inside of our building again.
I don’t understand this post. The police are aware of the situation, but they haven’t taken any action. They didn’t show up at the crime scene when over 20 storage lockers were broken into in our building. Additionally, they arrested one of the thieves, but surprisingly, he was released just two days later and is now walking around in our building again.
So you’re saying they did nothing…..but arrested a suspect? so they did something. then you go on and blame them for the person getting released when in fact they have zero control over that. And if you are saying they are allowing him to walk around the building once again do you expect police resources to sit outside the building 24hrs a day in case he comes back to break into lockers?
Before blaming Police learn the laws. And lobby for changes federally. Break and enter is under criminal code. But heres what ai says about catch and release:
There are several reasons why people arrested for break and enter or theft in Port Moody might be released quickly by police:
## Bail and Release Provisions
**Police Release Authority**: Under the Criminal Code, police can release accused persons directly from the station if they believe the person will appear in court and won’t reoffend. This is encouraged to reduce jail overcrowding.
**Bail Presumption**: Canadian law presumes people should be released pending trial unless there’s a compelling reason to detain them. The Crown must justify detention, not the other way around.
## Factors Affecting Release
– **Non-violent offenses**: Storage locker and car break-ins are typically property crimes without violence
– **First-time or minor offenders**: Those with limited criminal history are more likely to be released
– **Stable community ties**: Having a job, residence, or family in the area supports release
– **Promise to appear**: Accused can be released on their own recognizance or with conditions
## System Pressures
– **Jail capacity**: Holding facilities are often overcrowded
– **Court backlogs**: Cases can take months to resolve
– **Resource allocation**: Police and courts prioritize more serious violent crimes
## Conditions May Apply
Released individuals often face conditions like:
– Curfews
– No-contact orders with victims
– Staying away from specific areas
– Regular check-ins with police
While this can be frustrating for victims and the community, the system balances public safety with Charter rights. Repeat offenders or those who breach conditions face increasingly strict measures.
If you’re concerned about crime in your area, consider contacting Port Moody RCMP or attending city council meetings to discuss community safety initiatives.