Despite hopes for a safer start to the year, break-and-enter incidents remain a significant concern for residents of Mississauga and Brampton. Peel Regional Police have reported 40 such incidents in the first 10 days of 2025, with 14 occurring in Mississauga and 26 in Brampton.
Break-In Statistics From January 1 to January 10, the reported break-ins involved:
- Residential properties: 15 houses and four apartments.
- Commercial locations: Three stores, one jewelry store, one restaurant, two pharmacies, and one factory.
- Other targets: One residential garage or shed, three “other” properties, and nine “unidentified” businesses.
As of January 11, only five of these cases have been solved, leaving 35 incidents under investigation.
Notable Hotspots The top areas identified for break-and-enter activity include:
- Kennedy Road
- Queen Street
These areas are among the most frequently targeted by burglars.
2024 Recap: High-Profile Incidents While 2025 is still in its early days, past incidents from 2024 highlight the ongoing concern:
- Victim shot in a home invasion leading to a Canada-wide warrant for a Brampton man.
- Brazen home invasion captured on video in Mississauga.
- $14M in drugs seized after busting a home invasion network.
- Attempted murder charges linked to home invasions in Mississauga, Brampton, and Toronto.
- Failed theft of a safe in Brampton caught on video.
- Victims forced to hand over luxury car keys during a Mississauga home invasion.
Common Vulnerabilities Peel Police note that certain properties are more susceptible to break-ins, including:
- Corner lots or homes backing onto parks or open spaces.
- Properties that appear unkempt or unoccupied.
“Residential break-ins are typically crimes of opportunity,” Peel Police explain. Characteristics that increase the likelihood of a burglary include poor visibility and a lack of active surveillance or maintenance.
Safety Tips for Residents To reduce the risk of break-ins, police recommend the following measures:
- Maintain clear sightlines: Keep shrubs and hedges trimmed to ensure visibility to all windows and doors.
- Secure all entry points: Lock garage and screen doors, even when at home.
- Foster community awareness: Build relationships with neighbors and look out for one another’s properties.
- Enhance window security: Consider adding secondary locking devices to windows and sliding doors.
Peel Police continue to monitor and investigate these incidents, urging residents to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity.