78 break and enters over 31 days in Mississauga and Brampton, Ontario
Published May 11, 2024 at 5:22 pm
Break-and-enter incidents in Mississauga and Brampton have risen for the first time in three months, with police responding to more than 70 cases in the last 31 days.
According to Peel Regional Police data, there were 78 break-and-enters from April 10 to May 11.
This works out to an average of two or more crimes of this kind committed each day.
However, before this recent increase, there had been a significant decrease in break-and-enter incidents, with numbers dropping from 48 incidents between January and February to 29 cases in the subsequent months of February to March and March to April.
Compared to the 192 incidents from April 6 to May 7 last year (2023), this year’s 78 cases represent a significant decrease.
Both cities saw their fair share of crimes of this nature, with 41 of these incidents happening in Mississauga and the other 37 in Brampton.
The map below shows where the break-and-enters took place:
The data also highlights that the following places were targeted: 30 houses, four apartments, three residential garages or sheds, three construction sites, one jewellery shop, 11 restaurants, three stores, and 22 were “unidentified” businesses.
The common hotspots for two or more break-and-enter incidents in the last month were:
- Dixie Road—2 occurrences
- Dundas Street —5 occurrences
- Lakeshore Road —2 occurrences
- Liruma Road—4 occurrences
- Mcbride Avenue —2 occurrences
- Mavis Road—3 occurrences
- Ridgeway Drive—4 occurrences
As of May 11, with the investigations into the majority of these cases, 40 are still ongoing, 37 are considered solved, and one has been deemed unsolved.
A notable incident last month involved a Mississauga man who faced several charges following a home invasion and subsequent chase through Oakville, which resulted in the closure of Bronte Creek Provincial Park for a day.
Peel police say some properties are more likely to be targeted than others, such as corner lots, homes that back onto parks, 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.
There may never be a month without incidents related to break-ins. However, the positive news is that there are safety measures community members can adopt to safeguard themselves and their families.
Peel police advise residents to follow 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.