Break and enters on the rise in Vaughan, residents urged to be vigilant

canindia.com
Aug. 13, 2014

Numerous break and enters that have occurred in an area in the City of Vaughan. Since June there have been atleast nine reported break and enters and thefts or attempts at residential properties on side streets in the area of Clark Avenue West and New Westminster Drive.

As a result of investigation and crime analysis, investigators are looking at a possible link between these cases and more than 20 other similar crimes in the area dating back to October 2013.In most instances, the residents of the affected homes were away on vacation.

The methods of entry are typical- forcing open doors and breaking windows. Based on some security system activations, entries have occurred mostly during the evening and early morning hours. Recent cases have involved the suspect(s) cutting alarm wires and removing alarm sensors from walls.

Things like cash, jewelry and portable electronics have been stolen. Things have come to a point where investigators with the #4 District Criminal Investigations Bureau recently went door-to-door to homes in the affected areas giving them crime prevention tips. Regional Police wants to remind our citizens of a few basic things they can do to protect their property.

Although this is coming to the end of summer here are a few crime prevention tips that are relevant anywhere in the GTA.

• Do not announce your travel plans or absence from home on social media or your phone’s voicemail
• If going away on vacation or an extended absence, ask a trusted neighbor to watch your house and make your home looked lived-in by:
• using timer-controlled lights
• having mail and/or paper delivery temporarily stopped or delivered elsewhere
• having trusted people periodically attend for lawn cutting and garbage can placement, etc.
• arranging for neighbours to park in your driveway
• Do not discuss the contents of your home with others or leave boxes/packaging for expensive items on display in recycling bins
• Install dead-bolt locks on all exterior doors
• Consider installing a quality security system with motion sensors and/or video monitoring
• Secure all basement and ground-level windows and patio doors
• Trim all shrubs and trees so that doors and windows are in clear view

Be aware of suspicious people or vehicles in your neighbourhood and call police immediately if you’re concerned. We will respond to these calls. It’s better to be safe than sorry and your call might make a difference. The investigation is ongoing. Anyone with information about these crimes is asked to contact the York Regional. If you have any information, call 1-866-876-5423.