Over 150 break and enters this past month in Mississauga and Brampton

Police have responded to over a hundred break-and-enters across Mississauga and Brampton in the last 31 days.

According to Peel Regional Police data, there were a total of 151 break-and-enter cases beginning from Apr. 5 to May 6. This report also shows that in comparison to March (2023) there have been 62 fewer incidents of this kind.

Both cities saw their fair share of crimes related to break-ins, with 91 of these incidents happening in Mississauga and the other 60 in Brampton.

The map below shows where these incidents took place:

Police data also indicates that the following places were targeted: 59 houses, four apartments, six residential garages/sheds, six construction sites, one gas station, five offices, 12 stores, nine restaurants, three schools, and 46 other businesses.

The top 5 common hotspots for these break and enter incidents to occur are:

• Burnhamthorpe
• Kennedy
• Dixie
• Queen
• Lakeshore

As of May. 6, with the investigations into the majority of these break and enters (126) are still ongoing. Fourteen are considered solved, and 11 is listed as unsolved.

However it seems that crimes of this nature are becoming more problematic as the number of break-ins this month are much higher than this same time last year (2022)

On Apr. 5 – May. 6 (2022) there were reportedly only 15 break and enter cases.

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.