Seeking Public Assistance - Break and Enters

The Calgary Police Service is investigating a series of break and enters that have occurred throughout the city.

Between Monday, April 15, 2013, and Wednesday, May 15, 2013, there have been 25 break and enters committed in the communities of Charleswood, Haysboro, Bridgeland, Rundle and Tuscany, among others. Fourteen of these offences were committed overnight.

In some cases, the suspect has forced entry into the homes and in others he has entered through unlocked doors.

As well as cash and electronics, the suspect has used keys taken in the break and enters to steal six vehicles.

Investigators believe that the offences are linked and potentially committed by the same person.

The suspect is described as a Caucasian man, approximately 30 years old, 5’8” tall, with a medium build. He is described as being scruffy in appearance with yellow-stained teeth.

Following are tips to help prevent beak-ins and car thefts/prowlings:

Home and garage break-in prevention

Keep your doors locked, even when you’re home. Ensure your garage doors and windows are also closed and locked.
Install exterior motion lights to brighten dark areas around doors or windows, to make them easily seen by neighbours and passersby.
Lock all garage doors, including the one between an attached garage and the house.
Always close and lock any windows that could be used to gain access to your home while you’re away or sleeping, even on hot summer nights.
Store important or irreplaceable documents and items away from your home, such is in a safety deposit box.
If you see homes with open doors, front doors with keys left in the locks or a neighbour’s car with the truck left open, give them a quick call to let them know.
Consider installing home and vehicle alarm systems and vehicle anti-theft devices.

Vehicle theft and car prowling prevention

Garage openers should not be left in vehicles, as thieves can use them to gain entry into a home.
Avoid parking in unlit areas at night.
Lock your doors and close all windows.
Hide your valuables out of sight, or better yet, take them with you.
Don’t keep extra keys in your vehicle.

It is also important to take proactive measures when leaving your home for extended periods of time.

Make your home looked lived in. Put lights, radios and TVs on variable timers. If you’re leaving a vehicle outside your house, have a neighbour move it periodically. Arrange for lawn and garden upkeep.
Either cancel newspapers, mail and other deliver items or have a trusted neighbor collect them for you while you are away.

Always call police if you see suspicious activity in your neighbourhood.

Anyone with any information relating to these offences is asked to call police at 403-266-1234 or Crime Stoppers anonymously using any of the following methods:

TALK: 1-800-222-8477

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