Daylight break-ins prompt call for increased vigilance

MEMBERS OF THE ONTARIO Provincial Police (OPP) West Region Crime Unit along with detachment investigators are urging citizens to report any and all suspicious people to police immediately after noticing a spike in daylight breakand-enter incidents across the region.

West Region OPP has investigated 25 incidents since the spring. In most cases expensive jewellery and cash has been taken.

The modus operandi (MO) is the same in each instance, police report. Suspect(s) enter the home through an unlocked door, window or garage. In situations where the doors are locked, the suspect(s) will knock on the door and if no one answers, may forcibly enter the home. In instances when the homeowner answers the door, the suspect will use a ruse such as being interested in the real estate, asking for directions or engaging the homeowner is some other form of deception to deflect from their criminal intent.

The suspect(s), usually a female (at the door) and male (in an awaiting vehicle) have been travelling extensively across the West Region committing these crimes. Witness accounts have described the suspects as 35-65 years of age with a heavy foreign accent.

The OPP encourages all homeowners to always lock doors, windows and garages to help prevent these crimes from happening. Police encourage anyone who observes suspicious activity, people or vehicles to report it to police immediately by dialing 911. If you wish to remain anonymous you can call Crime Stoppers at 1-800222-8477 (TIPS) where you may be eligible for a cash reward of up to $2,000.