More than 100 break and enters over the past month in Mississauga and Brampton

The past 30 days saw police dealing with over a hundred break and enters across Mississauga and Brampton.

Peel Regional Police data shows a total of 110 break and enter incidents from Sept. 29 to Oct. 29.

Both cities saw their fair share of break-ins, with 59 of these incidents happening in Mississauga and the other 51 happening in Brampton.

The following map shows where these incidents took place:

According to the police data, the following places were broken into: 34 houses, two apartments, three other residential units, 16 stores, 15 restaurants, one pharmacy, one jeweler, 23 other businesses, eight residential garages or sheds, and one office.

The remaining six incidents were listed by police as “other.”

As of Oct. 29, the investigations into the majority of these break and enters (93) are still ongoing. Sixteen are considered solved, and one is listed as unsolved.

Peel police say some properties are more likely to be targeted 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.”

Residents are advised to maintain a safe home and prevent break-ins by 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.