Durham Police are investigating a string of residential break and enters that took place in north Whitby on Saturday morning.
On January 25 between 2 and 4 am, members of Central West Division responded to four separate break and enters at residential homes north of Rossland Road, between Coronation Road and Garden Street in Whitby.
In three of the incidents, the homeowners were not home. A lone victim was home in the fourth incident and called police as soon as suspects were heard. The suspects fled, police said.
From other homes, the suspects stole personal effects and valuables from the victims.
Police believe that these incidents may be connected due to the proximity of the locations and the time frame in which they occurred.
There are no suspect descriptors at this time; however, the investigations are on-going.
Protect Yourself
Investigators want homeowners to be vigilant and take steps to protect themselves from becoming a victim. The suspects gained entry through the back sliding doors or single-entry door. They are doing so by either prying the door or smashing the glass. These break-ins took place at night and the residents in three of the incidents were out of town. Items stolen include, electronics, jewelry and other personal effects.
Homeowners are advised to place something solid in the sliding rear doors, like a piece of wood, to ensure that, if the lock is defeated, the door will not slide open. It’s important to reinforce or replace locks and doors if they are weak or damaged.
Investigators also encourage residents to be vigilant in securing their homes by making sure that all valuables are hidden somewhere in the residence other than obvious places, like a jewelry box. When leaving the residence make sure all windows and doors are secure. Don’t announce your vacations or that you are away for extended period of times on social media. Always report suspicious activity to police or Crime Stoppers.
Anyone with information about break and enters in the Whitby area is asked to contact D/Cst. Crosbie of the Central West Division Criminal Investigations Bureau at 1-888-579-1520 ext. 1815.