Homeowner confronts early morning break and enter suspect

The Calgary Police Service is currently investigating a break and enter at a home in Penbrooke early this morning in which a homeowner unexpectedly confronted the suspect.

Police were called to a home in the 6300 block of Penbrooke Dr. S.E., just before 6 a.m., today, Wednesday, May 4, 2016, for reports that a woman awoke to finding a man in her home. The man covered the victim’s mouth in what is believed to be an attempt to stifle her screams before fleeing the home.

The woman’s two-year-old daughter was asleep in the home at the time. Neither the child nor the woman were injured as a result.

This is not believed to be a targeted incident, however, at this time it appears the man may have gained entry to the home through an unlocked door.

He is described as Caucasian, approximately 250 pounds, and was wearing a white and orange shirt.

Investigators are asking anyone who was in the area at the time, or who may have any information about this incident, to please contact police at 403-266-1234. Tips can also be left anonymously by contacting Crime Stoppers using any of the following methods:

TALK: 1-800-222-8477

TYPE: www.calgarycrimestoppers.org

TEXT: tttTIPS to 274637

Case #16189228

Police are asking for Calgarians’ help to prevent break and enters, property and vehicle theft by:

• Despite the warm weather, it is important to ensure windows and doors are secured at all times, even when you’re home. Culprits need mere moments to commit a theft or break in.
• Always locking vehicle, garage and house doors, even if you are nearby or only leaving for a short period of time. It may help to establish a routine where you check all doors and windows before leaving your home or going to bed.
• Not leaving vehicles unattended with the keys inside, and making sure spare keys are kept in a secure location not in or around your vehicle.
• Hiding or removing valuables, including garage door openers, from your vehicle so that they are not visible to people walking by.
• Securing your vehicle if you need to leave it running by either locking the doors or using a steering wheel lock so it cannot be driven easily.
• Reporting any suspicious activity to police immediately by calling 403-266-1234, or 9-1-1 if there is a crime in progress.