SURREY RCMP announced on Tuesday that charges had been laid in connection with three separate break and enters which occurred in the Fraser Heights area earlier this year. The suspect in these incidents was identified using surveillance video obtained from home security systems in the neighborhood.

On January 25, Surrey RCMP investigated a report of three unknown men tampering with exterior motion sensor lights at a residence. The men had left the area prior to the police arrival. The investigating officers found a broken lock on a window at the rear of the residence. Surveillance video later confirmed that the three unknown men had attempted to gain entry to the residence.

On February 9, a break and enter to a residence was reported. Surveillance video of that occurrence showed three unknown men walking to the rear of the residence, where entry had been gained.

A few days later, on February 13, Surrey RCMP investigated another incident which involved tampering with exterior motion sensor lights. Again, three suspects were recorded on home security video.

With the assistance of the Vancouver Police Department, one of the three suspects was identified as 35-year-old Glen Nelson of Vancouver. He has been charged with one count of breaking and entering, two counts of tresspassing at night, and three counts of mischief.

“Security video played an important role in this investigation,” said Cpl. Elenore Sturko “Locking doors and keeping your home’s exterior well-lit are also good measures for preventing property crime.”

Residents are encouraged to voluntary register their security cameras with Project IRIS, a secure online database that is managed by the City of Surrey. Project IRIS helps expedite investigations by reducing the time it takes police to track down CCTV cameras after a crime has been committed.

For more information on Project IRIS and tips on home security, visit the Surrey RCMP’s website.

If you see suspicious activity in your neighborhood, contact the Surrey RCMP at 604-599-0502.