High number of nighttime break-ins in south Calgary

The Calgary Police Service continues to urge Calgarians to take steps to protect their home and vehicles, after a nighttime break-in and car theft occurred last night in south Calgary, while the residents were asleep in the house.

At approximately 3:35 a.m., this morning, Friday, May 30, 2014, a culprit entered a home in the 12200 block of Canfield Road S.W.

The suspect entered the home and took several keys, before stealing a black SUV and fleeing the area. The family was awoken by a dog barking and the sound of a vehicle outside. The vehicle has since been recovered by police.

This is a growing concern.The Calgary Police Service District 8 office is investigating approximately 102 house and garage break-ins that have occurred in south Calgary since March 1, 2014, 65 of which happened at night.

Of the 102 cases, 49 (48 per cent) involved the suspects entering the home through an unlocked home or garage door, or entering an unlocked vehicle, then using the garage door opener to enter the garage and then possibly the home.

In this morning’s incident, it is believed a house key was found in an unlocked van on the property, and used to enter the home.

The Service is concerned whenever a home is broken into, particularly when it is occupied at night.

District 8 officers are investigating incidents throughout the south Calgary area, but have seen particularly high numbers in the communities of Canyon Meadows, Queensland, Evergreen, McKenzie Towne, New Brighton, Cranston and Chaparral.

It is important to note that these incidents can happen anywhere in the city, and all Calgarians are urged to take steps to protect themselves.

• Ensure all vehicles are locked, with the windows up.
• Hide or preferably remove all valuables, keys, garage door openers and other property from unattended vehicles.
• Ensure all home and garage doors, patio doors and windows are secured even when you are home, day or night. This includes second-storey windows.
• Develop a routine to make sure the garage doors have been closed and secured after a day of gardening or bike riding. Don’t drive away from your home until you’ve seen the garage door close completely. Check all vehicles, doors and windows before turning in for the night.
• Consider installing home and vehicle alarm systems and vehicle anti-theft devices.
• Let your neighbours know if they’ve left doors open or vehicles unlocked.
• Report any suspicious activity to the Calgary Police Service (403) 266-1234. If you believe a crime is in progress, please call 911.

Anyone with information on any of these incidents is asked to call Sgt. Garth Kowalyk of District 8 at 403-428-6800 or Crime Stoppers anonymously using any of the following methods:

TALK: 1-800-222-8477

TYPE: tttTIPS.com

TEXT: tttTIPS to 274637

 Information on a media availability will be sent in a separate advisory.

Case # 14196942