WRPS warns residents as ties found between local break-ins, international crime groups

Some warnings are being given to residents across Waterloo Region as Waterloo Regional Police Service (WRPS) has said it’s found connections between a growing trend in residential break-ins and international organized crime groups.

The homes in question that officers said have been targeted in recent months centre around units that back onto green spaces, wooded areas, parks, and public walkways, with police adding that suspects will often target those homes while residents are away and gain entry through the rear of the property.

“Investigators have identified individuals linked to organized crime networks, primarily originating from South America and Eastern Europe, who travel to Canada to commit property-related offences,” said WRPS in a release.

“These individuals may be responsible for multiple break-ins before leaving the country. During the break-and-enters, suspects primarily targeted cash, jewelry, designer handbags, accessories, and other high-value items.”

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The most recent string of residential break-ins tied to those crime groups is said to have happened between Friday, Oct. 16 and Saturday, Oct. 17, with WRPS receiving reports of as many as three break-ins at homes backing onto green spaces, centred around Lands Court and Chase Crescent in Cambridge.

In those particular incidents, police said a grey Toyota RAV4 was seen circling the area and is believed to be tied to the break-ins.

As part of the investigation, officers are now asking residents and motorists who may frequent the area to check any available dashcam or home security footage for any relevant or suspicious details between the hours of 8:30 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. on those given dates.

They’re looking for video footage tied to the areas of:

• Lands Court
• Chase Crescent
• Henwood Drive
• Porter Crescent
• Weir Street
• Baldwin Drive

The investigation into those recent break-ins is ongoing, but police are now also sending out a list of recommendations to residents throughout Waterloo Region, as the rising trend of break-and-enters continues.

Anyone with homes backing onto those green spaces and wooded areas is encouraged to be extra vigilant and consider adding further security measures to their homes to help keep themselves and their belongings protected.

That includes ensuring gates are secured, installing exterior lighting and surveillance cameras, keeping valuables out of sight, and more.

“Residents are also reminded to report suspicious activity in their neighbourhoods. Individuals involved in these offences may conduct surveillance of residences before a break-and-enter to determine when occupants are away,” said WRPS.

“Suspicious activity can include unfamiliar individuals or vehicles repeatedly observed in a neighbourhood, or individuals appearing to watch or approach homes. Suspects may wear dark clothing, hoods or face coverings and carry bags.”

Further recommendations from WRPS to homeowners in the region include:

• Avoid keeping large amounts of cash in their homes.
• Store jewelry and other valuables in a quality, secured safe or safety deposit box rather than easily accessible areas, such as bedrooms.
• Ensure doors and windows, particularly those at the rear and sides of the home, are properly secured.
• Consider installing security cameras that provide coverage of the rear and sides of the property, in addition to the front entrance.
• Ensure security cameras are functioning properly and capable of capturing clear video.
• Notify trusted neighbours when away for extended periods of time and arrange for someone to check on the residence and collect mail and packages from the front door.
• Report any suspicious activity, persons or vehicles to police immediately.

Anyone who sees a break-and-enter in progress or an immediate threat to public safety is always asked to contact 9-1-1 as quickly as possible.

Residents with information regarding the recent string of break-ins is urged to contact WRPS’ Break and Enter, Auto Theft, and Robbery (BEAR) Unit at 519-570-9777, extension 8255.