There have been 104 break-ins in 30 days in Mississauga and Brampton

Just how often do break-ins happen in Mississauga and Brampton?

According to Peel police’s crime data, quite a bit — over a recent 30-day period (February 10 to March 10), at least 104 break and enters were reported across both cities.

46 of those break and enters took place in Mississauga while 58 took place in Brampton.

Police data indicates that the break-ins occurred at a range of different places. The majority were residential break-ins, including 42 houses and three apartments.

There were 31 break-ins at restaurants, 18 at stores, five at construction sites, and two at jewelers.

An office, school, and pharmacy were also among the break and enters reported during this 30-day period.

While no churches were listed in the data, police did recently report more than a dozen break-and-enters at temples and other places of worship in the Malton area between last November and this month.

The majority of these cases are believed to be robberies with no confrontations or injuries.

“On average, residents of Brampton and Mississauga experience seven residential break and enters each day,” according to police.

“Residential break-ins are typically crimes of opportunity, burglars typically target certain property based on characteristics that will increase their chances of breaking-in without getting caught.”

Police say these characteristics include corner lots, homes that back onto parks and other open spaces (which typically allow for greater access into the home), and property that does not appear to be maintained or “lived in.”

Residents are advised to maintain a safe home and prevent break-ins by following these tips:

• Ensure that shrubs and hedges around your 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 your neighbours and join forces by looking out for each other’s properties.
• Consider installing a second locking device for your windows and any sliding doors.