Abbotsford -MAY 8 UPDATE – Abbotsford Police have arrested 53 year old Thomas Michael Pappas, the man they say broke into a woman’s apartment, woke her up with a fright and ran when she screamed.
Pappas now faces a charge of breaking and entering into a dwelling house.
APRIL 18 ORIGINAL STORY – On Thursday Night April 5 (around 11:30PM) , Abbotsford Police patrol officers responded to a report of a break and enter in the 30500 block of Cardinal Avenue.
The complainant advised that she woke up to find an unknown male in her bedroom, standing by her bed. The male fled when the woman woke up and screamed. The woman was unable to provide a suspect description as it was dark. Police patrols and police K9 unit search did not locate a suspect at that time.
Major Crime detectives have reviewed CCTV, collected witness statements and conducted neighbourhood canvasses; however, we are requesting anyone that may have information about this incident to please contact the Abbotsford Police Department.
Anyone with information about this incident is encouraged to contact the Abbotsford Police Department at 604-859-5225 or #222973 from a mobile phone. Anonymous information can be reported to Crimestoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or reported online at solvecrime.ca.
Crime Prevention Tips
As the weather get milder, many of us keep our windows and doors open for airflow. We remind you of the following crime prevention advice:
- Always close and lock any windows and doors that could be used to gain access to your home while you’re away or sleeping, even in warmer weather;
- Put all car keys and other keys out of sight and not in reach of windows and the front door;
- Use door chains and spy holes to give you extra security if someone knocks on your door. Never be afraid to turn people away. If you have concerns about anyone who has come to your door call the police;
- If you are going to be away, have a neighbour or friend pick up your mail and flyers;
- Use timers to control lighting within the home;
- Consider installing home alarm system and use vehicle anti-theft devices/vehicle alarm systems.
The Abbotsford Police Department would like to remind residents to report any suspicious vehicles, activity or behaviour, such as someone showing up at your home “mistakenly” looking for a different address, or going through yards of neighbours who you believe are away.
Further information regarding crime prevention or personal safety can be found at the Abbotsford Police Department website at http://www.abbypd.ca/crime-prevention-tips-for-individuals.
