The Toronto Police are reminding residents to lock up at night, following a series of similar break-and-enters in the city’s west end.Fred Lum/The Globe and Mail
Toronto police are warning residents about an increase in break-and-enters after four break-ins in the city's west end early Monday morning.
Three homes in the Bloor Street West and Windermere Avenue area were robbed between 2 a.m. and 3:05 a.m. on Monday, with a similar incident reported in the Keele Street and St. Clair Avenue West area. Constable Wendy Drummond confirmed that items were stolen, but could not disclose what.
Although the incidents are similar, police do not have enough information to determine whether they are connected. Police continue to investigate and have no suspects.
"The concern was that there were three homes in a very close proximity that were entered," said Constable Drummond, adding that the residents were home in all four break-ins. "There was a fourth one that was very similar in the Keele/St. Clair area, so we issued a public safety alert and gave out some tips."
Among the tips police offer to reduce the likelihood of a break-in: make sure landscaping does not provide cover for potential burglars, ensure door and window frames are strong enough to resist a break-in attempt, and keep doors locked.
Constable Drummond said some people do leave their doors unlocked overnight. "Whether it's just forgetting to lock them or anticipating someone coming home, but we do suggest that you keep your home secure at all times."
Constable Drummond said that the number of break-and-enters typically increases in the spring, both during the day and at night.
"With the warmer weather, it's a good idea to look at your home, your surrounding environment to make sure you're not creating an atmosphere for break-ins," she said, noting that in warmer weather, people often leave garage doors open during the day and sleep with the windows open at night.
Police have asked that anyone with information on the Monday incidents contact them at 416-808-1100 or Crime Stoppers at 416-222-TIPS (8477).