Public Safety Alert, Spike in overnight commercial Break-and-Enters, Crime-prevention information offered

Public Safety Alert, Spike in overnight commercial Break-and-Enters, Crime-prevention information offered

Saturday, August 26, 2017 - 10:10 AM
42 Division:  416-808-4200

Investigators from 42 Division would like to make the public aware of a recent spike in overnight commercial Break-and-Enters within the boundaries of 42 Division. From August 10, 2017 to August 25, 2017, there have been over 30 commercial Break-and-Enters.

In the vast majority of these commercial entries, a man has smashed the front glass door and targeted the cash drawers and cash registers. In many of these occurrences, he has also cut wires for the audible alarm system. 

The same man is believed to be responsible for the majority of these entries. These commercial Break-and-Enters have occurred between midnight and 4 a.m., with the man entering and exiting within minutes.

Several entries have occurred to neighbouring businesses in the same commercial plazas on the same nights. 

The man is described as black, 20-30, wearing a hooded sweatshirt and back packs. 

Investigators would like to provide the following safety tips to the businesses to improve security: 

- keep your doors and windows secure by locking them

- keep both interior and exterior lights on during overnight hours, both front and rear doors 

- have and activate a monitored security alarm 

- do not keep cash or any other valuables in your businesses overnight

- activate and record CCTV surveillance and security cameras 

- these Break-and-Enters occur in the overnight hours, so please be extra vigilant during the night to lock all doors and windows, activate your security alarm with perimeter settings on 

- if you are aware of a suspicious vehicle or person in your business/property area, call 9-1-1 immediately.

Using these tips may help keep you and your property safe and secure. 

Anyone with information is asked to contact police at 416-808-4200, Crime Stoppers anonymously at 416-222-TIPS (8477), online at www.222tips.com, or text TOR and your message to CRIMES (274637). Download the free Crime Stoppers Mobile App on iTunes, Google Play or Blackberry App World.

For more news, visit TPSnews.ca.

Constable David Hopkinson, Corporate Communications, for Detective Sergeant Gerry Heaney, 42 Division