Photo: Halton Police
The Halton Regional Police Service (HRPS) is investigating a rise in residential break-ins happening during both daytime and evening hours across the region.
Investigators say thieves are using two distinct approaches to target homes they believe are unoccupied.
During the day, between 10:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m., suspects are knocking on doors to check if residents are home. When someone answers, the suspect typically offers a false explanation, such as promoting home renovation or landscaping services, before leaving. If no one responds, police say entry is usually forced through the front door, often by suspects wearing masks and carrying bags, with a large pickup truck or SUV left running in the driveway.
Most evening break-ins are occurring between 6:00 p.m. and 10:00 p.m., particularly at homes backing onto trails or green spaces. Police say thieves are exploiting reduced daylight, gaining entry by smashing rear windows or doors, and often watching neighbourhoods beforehand to track when residents leave for errands or children’s activities. Suspects typically wear dark clothing, gloves, masks, and backpacks to blend in with pedestrian traffic.
Once inside, thieves are ransacking bedrooms and targeting cash, jewelry, luxury goods, and government identification. Police believe organized crime groups involved in similar crimes elsewhere in Ontario may be responsible.
Residents are urged to report suspicious people or vehicles immediately and review home security measures, including lighting, alarms, cameras, reinforced doors, and maintaining the appearance of an occupied home.
Anyone with information related to these incidents is asked to contact the Halton Regional Police Service at 905-825-4777. Tips can also be submitted anonymously to Crime Stoppers: “See something? Hear something? Know something? Contact Crime Stoppers” at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS) or online at www.haltoncrimestoppers.ca.
