Rash of break-ins in North End Halifax have neighbours on edge

HALIFAX – A normally quiet neighbourhood in North End Halifax is on edge after word of a significant spike in break and enters over the past few weeks.

Police say thieves have been targeting the area around Bloomfield St., Fuller Ter., Maynard St., Black St., Agricola St., and Davison St.

“Approximately two to three weeks ago, we started receiving reports of residential break and enters,” said Constable Tracy MacDonald of the Halifax Regional Police. “To date, we’ve had approximately nine reported cases.”

MacDonald says the neighbourhood itself isn’t more or less prone to these types of crimes, but the fact that the homes are close together makes it easier for thieves to escape unnoticed.

In a few cases, the homeowners have either been in the house or backyard when the thieves arrived.

“If you confront someone, try to as best you can diffuse the situation, back away. If you have a cell phone in your hand, call 911 immediately,” he said. “Most times, if someone is breaking in, they’ll be scared off.”

MacDonald said there’s a very easy way to decrease the chances that your home will be robbed: lock your doors and keep your windows shut, even when you’re home.

“Quite simply, lock your doors and windows, even if you’re at home throughout the day. If you’re in the backyard enjoying the summer sun, please feel free to lock your doors,” he said.

Police are working under the assumption that the break-ins are connected, but it’s unclear how many suspects there are involved.