Suspect believed to be responsible for 27 Regina break-ins still at large

Regina  police are still searching for a suspect believed to be responsible for over two dozen commercial break and enters dating back to March this year.

Police had asked for the public’s help in August, believing he was to blame for 19 break-ins. That number has increased to 27.

READ MORE: Regina police looking for suspect after numerous commercial break-ins

According to police, the man appears to have familiarity with glass installation or alarm systems and may have had a history of working in either industry.

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He’s described as being 20 to 30 years old with an average height and athletic build. He appears to weigh about 155 to 175 pounds.

Police believe he has short dark hair and possibly a trimmed beard.

Break-ins and prevention

At Mr. Sub’s on MacDonald Street, owner Angie Mamais said her restaurants haven’t been immune to break ins.

“It’s not the nicest thing. They did everything within only 2 minutes. They cleared out my office within 2 minutes,” she said.

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She and her husband Jim experienced a break-in seven years ago at their shop. Since the intrusion, more cameras have been installed and even more security features.

“It scares me but I feel really confident with our alarms and our cameras. I just think that really helps because they’re scared of that stuff,” Mamais said.

At Elite Security, president and general manager Rob Ast said prevention is key. He said in his industry, more people are reactive with security when they should be proactive.

“In our industry most people are reactive with security, either they had a break-in or a loved one had a break-in… something spurted on and so people are kind of reactionary with it,” he said.

“Take the measures before something bad happens.”

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On ways to protect the home or business, Ast recommends getting a monitored alarm system and camera system.

“Cameras serve to not only prevent someone from coming in but also to identify the people after the fact… we provide stickers and signs and that’s a great tool to identify to people that ‘hey, there’s an alarm system here,'” he said.

He said putting stickers at every point of entry can help deter criminals. As well, Ast suggests putting adequate lighting on the home or business.

“Put lights inside and outside the business. Whether it’s motion sensor lights or things like that, it can all help.”