Over the past three months, Mississauga and Brampton have witnessed a significant number of break-and-enter incidents, totaling 446 according to the latest data from Peel Regional Police. This marks an average of more than four incidents daily from January 1 to April 13.
Despite these numbers, a notable decrease in such crimes has been observed following a peak in October and November of 2023, during which the highest monthly count of 318 incidents was recorded. From November to December, incidents plummeted by 72%, and the downward trend persisted into the new year, with further reductions to 48 incidents in January and February, and 29 incidents in both the February to March and March to April periods.
The distribution of these crimes varied between the two cities, with Mississauga experiencing 256 incidents and Brampton 190. Various types of properties were targeted, including 224 houses, 15 apartments, and 19 residential garages or sheds. Commercial properties were also affected, with break-ins reported at four construction sites, seven offices, three jewellery shops, two pharmacies, 17 restaurants, and 25 stores. Additionally, there were 130 incidents at unidentified business premises.
Dundas Street emerged as a particular hotspot, witnessing 21 occurrences over the last three months. While investigations continue, with 347 of the cases still active, 61 have been solved, and 38 remain unsolved.
Recent notable incidents include several charges in home invasion carjackings across Mississauga, Brampton, and Toronto, and a man charged in an armed home invasion and two other robberies. Additionally, police are currently seeking a suspect linked to multiple temple thefts in the Greater Toronto Area.
Peel Regional Police have identified certain properties as being more susceptible to break-ins, such as corner lots or those backing onto parks or open spaces. They highlight that residential break-ins often occur as crimes of opportunity, where burglars target properties that appear less secure or less inhabited.
Despite the persistent risk, police are optimistic about the community’s ability to reduce such crimes through proactive safety measures. Residents are advised to trim shrubs and hedges for better visibility, secure all doors even when at home, collaborate with neighbors for enhanced vigilance, and consider additional locking mechanisms for windows and sliding doors to safeguard against potential break-ins.