Investigators are asking the public to be vigilant and report any suspicious activity following an increase in break-ins at residences, including occurrences in north Whitby last month.
In September, there were five break and enters in the area of north Whitby on the Labour Day long weekend. The suspects are targeting homes when residents are away.
Residential neighbourhoods are often targeted when the occupants leave their residences for multiple days and/or nights which happens more frequently on long weekends. Homeowners who are traveling or vacationing over the upcoming long weekend are reminded to secure their properties to help prevent property crime offences from taking place.
Homeowners should have someone they trust checking on their property while they are away, each day and night if possible.
Further steps can be taken to provide the appearance that your residence is occupied, when you are away.
This includes but not limited to:
– Leaving a motor vehicle in the driveway
– Using timers on lights inside the residence
– Posting signage for alarm companies and/or pets
– Having a neighbour or other source remove any pamphlets, mail or flyers from the door handles or in front of the residence.
– Don’t announce your travel plans on social media platforms
If residents within a neighbourhood observe suspicious people or motor vehicles, they are requested to call police to report the suspicious activity.
Anyone with information regarding these incidents is requested to contact D/Cst. Crosbie of Central West Division Criminal Investigations Bureau at 1-888-579-1520 ext. 1815.