Police in 42 and 43 Division have seen an increase in the number of break-ins at homes and businesses.
Both divisions have also received a large number of 911 calls for robberies in March.
On March 19, police received a call from three children in the Meadowvale and Ellesmere Rds. area, saying people were trying to break into their home.
They heard knocking at the door but didn’t answer. Then their front door was forced open. The children called 911 and ran upstairs to hide in a closet.
Three suspects were arrested at the scene of the crime after trying to escape. An investigation revealed the suspects were staying illegally in Canada.
Constable Tony Vella says burglars look for neighbourhoods with easy targets. This may explain the string of robberies in the area.
On March 17, an employee of Mac’s Convenience Store at 1401 Ellesmere Rd. was robbed at gunpoint. No one was hurt. A similar yet more severe incident took place on March 13, at Net Plus College, which is also on Ellesmere.
One female and two male employees reported just after midnight that two men entered the premises. They were wearing disguises.
One of the victims was hit over the head with a gun, while one of the robbers took off with a laptop, a cell phone and cash. Police are still searching for the robbers.
“Some people are professional burglars. They may go to prison for similar crimes and do the same thing when they get out,” Vella said.
Vella advises people to use motion detectors to prevent burglars from breaking in. This way if someone goes on to the property at night, a light will automatically turn on.
He also recommends setting a timer for lighting or even music when you’re on vacation, as well as asking a neighbour to collect the mail that may pile up.
If you have information regarding these robberies, you can contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS.