A new record was hit for break and enters in 2023 in Mississauga and Brampton

As the year approaches its final 10 days, break-ins remain a significant concern in the Mississauga and Brampton communities. With over 2000 incidents reported in the past 12 months, residents continue to grapple with this ongoing challenge.

From Jan. 1 — Dec. 21  Peel Regional Police data indicates a combined 2,434 break-ins were reported across both cities — 1,414 in Mississauga and 1,020 in Brampton.

Here’s a month-to-month breakdown of the number of break-ins in these cities, based on police data:

• Jan. 1 to Feb. 1: 221 — 75 Brampton 146 Mississauga
• Feb. 2 to March. 3: 167 — 68 Brampton 99 Mississauga
• March 4 to April 5: 232 — 99 Brampton 133 Mississauga
• April 6 to May 7: 192 — 75 Brampton 117 Mississauga
• May 8 to June 9: 230— 114 Brampton 116 Mississauga
• June 10 to July 11: 213  — 91 Brampton 122 Mississauga
• July 12 to August 13: 249 — 116 Brampton 133 Mississauga
• August 14 to Sept 15: 236 — 106 Brampton 130 Mississauga
• Sept 16 to Oct 17: 290 — 104 Brampton 186 Mississauga
• Oct 18 to Nov. 19: 318 — 140 Brampton 178 Mississauga
• Nov 20 to Dec. 21: 86 — 32 Brampton 54 Mississauga

The data suggests a seasonal trend with higher numbers of break-ins reported during the warmer months. June, July, and August consistently show elevated figures, reaching a peak of 249 break-ins in July.

Interestingly, Brampton consistently reported a lower number of break-ins throughout the year compared to Mississauga. This may suggest a varying vulnerability or security measures between the two cities.

The fall season also saw a significant spike in break-ins, reaching its highest point in October with 318 incidents. These numbers gradually declined nearly 49% as the month went on.

This pattern continued from Nov. 20 to Dec.21 with 86 incidents, suggesting a downturn in criminal activity amid the holiday season. However, with less than two weeks left in 2023, there’s a potential for those numbers to rise.

As of today (Dec. 21) only 289 break and enter cases have been successfully solved while 1,349  are still being investigated and 796 are deemed unsolved.

The following map shows where this year’s break and enter incidents took place:

The data also further indicates that the following places were targeted: 1,148  houses, 86 apartments, nine gas stations, 126 residential garages or sheds, 119 stores, three jewellry stores, 171 restaurants, seven pharmacy’s, 67 construction sites, 42 schools, eight factories, 22 offices, 155 were simply listed as “other” and 661 were “unidentified” businesses.

The top 20 common hotspots for these break-ins to occur are:

• Airport Road
• Bramalea Road
• Burnhamthorpe Road
• Centre Street
• Dixie Road
• Dundas Street
• Glen Erin Drive
• Goreway Drive
• Heart Lake Road
• Huronatrio Street
• Kennedy Road
• Lakeshore Road
• Main Street
• Matheson Boulevard
• Mavis Road
• Mississauga Road
• Queen Street
• Rutherford Road
• Steeles Avenue
• Torbram Road

Compared to the same time last year (Jan. 1 – Dec. 16, 2022), the tally of break and enters was notably low, at 11 incidents for both Mississauga and Brampton.

This year it seems a majority of these break-in crimes involved groups of people targeting homes and businesses throughout Peel Region and the GTA.

Here are some noteworthy break and enter incidents from the year:

• Three break ins occurred in Mississauga while residents were home
• High end shoe store gets robbed in Mississauga
• Mall jewellry store robbed second time this month in Brampton
• Four Brampton teens charged following two home invasions
• Violent home invasion, car theft leads to numerous charges against two Mississauga men

According to Peel Police, some properties are more likely to be broken into 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,” Peel Police say. “Burglars usually target certain property 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:

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