Break and enters down by 44.2% in Mississauga and Brampton

Break-and-enter incidents in Mississauga and Brampton have seen a notable decrease, with police responding to less than fifty cases in the past 31 days.

According to Peel Regional Police data, there were a total of 48 break-and-enter cases beginning from Dec. 22 to Jan. 22.

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 from Dec. 22 into Jan. 22 (2024), with only 48 incidents—marking a 44.2% decline compared to the previous month.

Both cities saw their fair share of crimes related to break-ins this past month, with 30 of these incidents happening in Mississauga and the other 18 in Brampton.

The map below shows where these incidents took place:

The data also highlights that the following places were targeted: 18 houses, seven apartments, four residential garages or sheds, one store, one construction site, three were simply listed as “other” and 14 were “unidentified” businesses.

The top 3 common hotspots for these break-and-enter incidents to occur are:

• Confederation Parkway
• Argentia Road
• Dixie Road

As of Jan. 22, with the investigations into the majority of these cases, 28 are still ongoing, 18 are considered solved, and one is listed as unsolved.

In a notable incident from this past month three teens from Mississauga and Brampton were arrested and charged following multiple armed home invasions in Toronto’s west end.

According to Toronto Police, the trio is purportedly connected to two violent overnight incidents—one involving gunfire and another where the homeowners were reportedly threatened with a firearm.

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.”

Although there may never been a month without incidents related to break and enters, the good news is there are safety measures community members can take to protect themselves and their families.

Residents are advised by Peel police to 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.