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A crime spree in the Lower Mainland has police telling people how to protect themselves against Yuletide Grinches.

And that advice can translate to residents in any part of the province.

North Vancouver RCMP is working to solve 15 recent daytime break and enters that have occurred in local neighbourhoods.

“The increase in daytime intrusions began around November first and continues at present,” said Cpl. Richard De Jong with the Vancouver Police Department. “The targeted homes have been throughout the City and District of North Vancouver. In most of the crimes, the thief got in through a back entry, side garage door or through windows that could be easily removed by hand. The thief (or thieves) stole jewelry, laptops, money and bikes.”

De Jong said on at least three occasions, the home owner encountered the culprit in their home. “Fortunately, no one was injured or accosted in the encounter. A thief will offer up all sorts of excuses for trespassing in your home. If you’re found in such a situation, safely remove yourself from the residence and call 911,” he said.

“With the holiday season upon us, especially with Christmas gifts being left under the tree, it is anticipated that there may be an increase in break and enters. When you leave your residence for the day, lock all your doors and windows.”

People should also consider reinforcing all entry points of their home with good deadbolts, alarms and doweling to brace windows in the closed position.

“If you see someone suspicious, call police immediately,” said De Jong.

Anyone with information regarding these criminal investigations is asked to call the North Vancouver RCMP at 604-985-1311 or CrimeStoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS) or go online to Solvecrime.ca.