York police warn of surge in break-and-enters as daylight hours shorten
Posted November 29, 2022 11:03 am.
Last Updated November 29, 2022 5:50 pm.
Police in York Region are warning of a rise in break-and-enters throughout the region — a problem they say is worsening as daylight hours get shorter.
Investigators said they believe less sunlight coupled with people leaving their homes at a much higher rate in the wake of the pandemic has led to a surge in break-ins.
“Shorter daylight hours and increased trips away from the house may be making easier targets for enterprising criminals,” said Supt. Russ Bellman.
“Last year, in the midst of the pandemic, residents were spending more time in their homes.”
Officers investigated 77 break-ins between Nov. 7 and 21. York Regional Police officers said this is the highest number reported in a two-week period following Daylight Saving Time in three years.
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On Nov. 12, officers said they stopped two suspects in Aurora as they tried to break into the second storey of a home with a ladder. They said the homeowner called police after getting an alert from their security cameras.
Investigators said one of the suspects was arrested with help from the Canine and Air Support Units as he attempted to flee the scene. Video appeared to show officers apprehending the alleged thief in a wooded area.
The 30-year-old suspect is facing a pair of charges while a second suspect remains at large.
Officers said another incident on the same day saw three suspects attempt to break into a second-storey of a Vaughan home by stacking patio furniture on top of a heater. The suspects fled when police arrived.
York Regional Police offered the following tips to help people secure their homes over the holiday season:
- Install a quality deadbolt lock and always lock doors and windows, even on the second floor
- Put some interior lights on timers to give thieves the impression you are at home
- Ask a friend to pick up mail, shovel snow or park in your driveway if you are away
- Install a security camera that provides updates to your mobile phone
