Break-ins in north Calgary communities prompt security warning from police

Calgary police are reminding homeowners to keep doors and windows locked amid a recent increase in break-ins in the city’s north.

Police said they’ve seen a spike in the number of garage and home break-ins in the communities of Cityscape, Mount Pleasant, Hillhurst and Sunnyside in the past few weeks.

In a news release, police said many garage break-ins were due to doors being unlocked or garage openers left inside vehicles that had been “prowled.”

In Cityscape, police said there have been seven homes broken into over the past two weeks. In each case, the suspect(s) gained entry by cutting through the screen on an open window.

With more hot summer evenings on the way, police are asking those who are heading out of town to ensure their home is locked while they’re gone.

“Do not advertise that the house is empty or disclose your vacation plans to others on social media,” police said. “Share your vacation memories and photos after you’ve returned home from your trip.”

Vehicle theft and car prowling prevention tips from the Calgary Police Service:

• Report any suspicious activity or behaviour, such as someone trying door handles on parked vehicles.
• Garage openers should not be left in vehicles or should be disengaged, as thieves can use them to gain entry into a home.
• Avoid parking in unlit areas at night.
• Lock your doors and close all windows at all times, even while you are in your yard.
• Hide your valuables out of sight, or better yet, take them with you.
• Don’t keep extra keys in your vehicle.

Home and garage break-in prevention tips from the Calgary Police Service:

• Report any suspicious vehicles, activity or behaviour, such as someone showing up at your home “mistakenly” looking for a different address, or going through yards of neighbours who you believe are away.
• Remind your family to close the garage door(s) after removing bikes, vehicles and other items. Any open door is an invitation.
• Despite the warm weather, it is important to ensure windows and doors are secured at all times, even when you’re home. Culprits need mere moments to commit a theft.
• If you are away, ensure a friend or neighbour picks up your mail and flyers and keeps your yard appearing cared for, giving the impression that you’re around.
• Use timers to control lighting within the home.
• Install exterior motion lights to brighten dark areas around doors or windows to make them easily seen by a neighbour or passersby.
• Lock all garage doors, including the one between an attached garage and the house.
• Always close and lock any windows that could be used to gain access to your home while you’re away or sleeping, even on hot summer nights.
• Store important or irreplaceable documents and items away from your home, such as in a safety deposit box. If you see homes with open doors, front doors with keys left in the locks, or a neighbour’s car with the trunk left open, give them a quick call to let them know.
• Consider installing home and vehicle alarm systems and vehicle anti-theft devices.