125 homes and businesses were broken into over the last 30 days in Mississauga and Brampton

Published January 14, 2023 at 2:29 pm

Break-ins remain a constant problem in Mississauga and Brampton even during the holidays, with over a hundred happening over the last 30 days.

Peel Regional Police data indicates there were at least 125 break and enters within a roughly month-long period from Dec. 14, 2022 to Jan. 14, 2023.

More than half of the break-ins were residential, with criminals targeting 57 houses, four apartments, and four residential garages or sheds.

On the business/non-residential side, there were break-ins at nine restaurants, eight stores, three pharmacies, two gas stations, one jeweler, 32 other businesses, two offices, one construction site, and two break-ins listed as “other.”

Police’s crime map shows where each break and enter occurred:

Police are continuing to investigate 104 of these incidents — 20 have been deemed solved while one was declared unsolved as of Jan. 14.

Peel police say some properties are more likely to be targeted for break-ins, such as corner lots, homes that back onto parks and other open spaces, and homes that do not appear to be maintained or “lived in.”

“Residential break-ins are typically crimes of opportunity,” police say.

“Burglars target certain properties based on characteristics that will increase their chances of breaking in without getting caught.”

Residents are advised to maintain a safe home and prevent break-ins by following these tips:

  • Ensure that shrubs and hedges around the property are maintained to have clear lines of sight to all accessible windows and doors.
  • Keep garage and screen doors locked, even while at home.
  • Get to know the neighbours and join forces by looking out for each other’s properties.
  • Consider installing a second locking device for windows and any sliding doors.
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