Police warn of increase in residential break and enters across the city

We are warning Calgarians of a city-wide trend regarding overnight residential break and enters.

In the last several weeks, we have received more than 30 reports from homeowners who have been victims of residential break and enters, most of which have occurred between the hours of 11 p.m. and 7 a.m., while the victims were asleep inside the residence.

In many instances it is believed the thieves have entered homes by cutting through the screens of unlocked windows, and in some cases, gained entry through unlocked doors.  

Once inside, the suspects often search for keys belonging to vehicles that are parked in the garage, on the driveway or on the street nearby. More than 20 vehicles have been reported stolen in conjunction with these break and enter incidents.

The thieves are also targeting valuables, including purses, wallets and smaller electronics that are laying out in the open.

While the investigation into these incidents remains ongoing, we are looking to alert homeowners and provide information on residential break and enter prevention.

Safety tips

• Lock all windows and doors – even when you are home.
• Keep valuables (purses, car keys, wallets) away from the front door. Do not leave spare keys in an obvious spot.
• Consider using a safe for valuables and important documents. Keep the safe in a well-hidden area.
• Close your blinds to prevent people from looking inside your home.
• Install motion-activated or timed lights (smart light bulbs).
• Have secure, lockable basement windows.
• Create a nightly routine for your household (for example, make sure the last person to bed checks that windows, doors and vehicle(s) are locked).
• Lock your gates.
• Alarm systems can provide a great deterrent; however, police need evidence of the offender to locate and charge them. Consider installing security and/or doorbell cameras.

Additional crime prevention tips for homeowners are available on calgarypolice.ca, including information on the 9 p.m. Routine, which is available in multiple languages.

Report

Know your neighbourhood and report any suspicious activity to police by calling the non-emergency number at 403-266-1234. Provide as much detail as possible:

Vehicles – license plate, colour, make, model, year, unique features such as stickers or damage.

People – physical descriptions, clothing and footwear.

If you experience a residential break and enter, or an attempted one, please call 9-1-1.

Anyone with information about break and enter incidents occurring in Calgary, is asked to contact police by calling 403-266-1234. Tips can also be submitted anonymously to Crime Stoppers through any of the following methods:

TALK: 1-800-222-8477
TYPE: www.calgarycrimestoppers.org
APP: P3 Tips

CA25221500/3505