Whitehorse man frustrated after audacious break-in

A Whitehorse family is astounded after a thief entered their home and attempted to steal a vehicle earlier this week — while they were at home.

Aaron Jensen says that he and his wife were watching television when he heard noise outside.

After going out to investigate, Jensen saw a young man apparently trying to break into one of his vehicles. He scared off the culprit, who dropped four sets of keys as he ran away.

It was at that point that Jensen realized the thief had taken the keys while they were watching TV.

Jensen, who has lived in Whitehorse for 40 years, says that he's angry he has to start locking his door while he's at home, and says it reflects the changing "world we live in.

"I'm kind of more, annoyed," he said. "I'm trying to censor my words. Annoyed that I have to keep my doors locked, even when I'm home. I'm bewildered at that."

Whitehorse has dealt with a spate of petty crime in past months, with break-ins tripling over last year, according to RCMP. Jensen said that he'd heard from another victim of a similar crime Monday night, who said a thief stole keys for their pickup from their home and drove off. It was later recovered.

Jensen believes that the behaviour is a reflection of changing attitudes and values in the city.

"I see a lot that just don't have any respect, they don't have any... there's no value," he said. "Everything's just either been given to them or they have to steal it, I guess. I don't know."

The incident will likely cause Jensen to increase security in and around his house, he says, but adds that "it's not right."