Break and enters down another 12.75% in Mississauga and Brampton

By

Published February 18, 2024 at 2:55 pm

Break-and-enter incidents in Mississauga and Brampton have notably decreased for the second consecutive month with police responding to fewer than 35 cases in the past 31 days

According to Peel Regional Police data, there were a total of 33 break-and-enter cases beginning from Jan. 18 to Feb. 18.

Unlike the whopping 318 incidents reported from Oct. 18 to Nov. 19, there was a significant decrease to 86 incidents in the following 31 days (Nov. 20 to Dec. 21). A nearly 72.9% decline in break and enters.

This trend persisted in January with only 48 incidents—marking a 44.2% decline compared to the previous month.

February (so far) witnessed a further drop of 12.75% in break-and-enter incidents across the region, providing some relief to residents.

Both cities saw their fair share of crimes of this nature with 16 of these incidents happening in Mississauga and the other 17 in Brampton.

The map below shows where these incidents took place:

The data also highlights that the following places were targeted: 16 houses, one apartment, one residential garage or shed, one store, one pharmacy, two were simply listed as “other” and 11 were “unidentified” businesses.

A common hotspot for break-and-enter incidents this month was:

  • Rutherford Road in Brampton— three occurrences.

As of Feb. 18, with the investigations into the majority of these cases, 19 are still ongoing and 14 are considered solved.

In a notable incident from this past month a man was arrested and charged with multiple offences related to 19 break-and-enter incidents in Mississauga and Brampton from 2023.

Police allege the man targeted restaurants and other businesses across the region. However, officials have not disclosed the names of these establishments nor provided details regarding any valuables taken or the extent of the losses.

Peel police say, some properties are more likely to be targeted than others 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 property based on characteristics that will increase their chances of breaking-in without getting caught.”

Despite the significant decrease in these crimes, there may never be a month without incidents related to break and enters. However, the positive news is that there are safety measures community members can adopt to safeguard themselves and their families.

Residents are advised by Peel police 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.
INsauga's Editorial Standards and Policies