Ontario Home & Business Security Solutions for Trailside Break-Ins
Residents of Oakville, Ontario, are growing increasingly concerned as break-ins targeting homes near green spaces and trail systems have spiked since October.
For homeowner Maqsood Soomro, who lives next to a green space, the issue has become a recurring nightmare. His home has been targeted three times, with the latest incident involving an attempted car theft despite the vehicle having a mobilizer installed.
“They think they can get away with it,” Soomro shared. “My family feels very uneasy now, and I’m sure it will happen again.”
Soomro expressed frustration over the rise in break-ins, questioning whether enough is being done to address the problem. “When we reported it, the police asked if we had insurance. But this isn’t about insurance; it’s about a criminal trespassing on your property,” he said. “I’m ready to sell the car now.”
These incidents are far from isolated. Halton Regional Police Service (HRPS) has reported 17 break-ins of this nature since October 1, a sharp increase compared to the 24 home break-ins recorded in all of 2023.
According to police, criminals are taking advantage of the natural seclusion provided by trails and green spaces, using these areas to approach homes without being noticed.
In a statement to Global News, Halton Police noted that thieves seem to believe “there is less risk of being seen by neighbors or residents.”
Trail systems and green spaces offer discreet entry points, allowing intruders to target rear entrances, which are typically less visible than front doors. Police also cautioned residents against leaving ladders outdoors, as burglars have used them to access second-story windows or balconies.
Once inside, thieves often go after high-value items, including cash, jewelry, and vehicles.
Another Oakville resident, Charlie Akbari, voiced his frustrations after his Porsche was stolen. “Residents in Oakville are being specifically targeted. You can’t have nice things anymore,” he said.
Both Soomro and Akbari have extensive home security systems but feel these measures aren’t enough to deter determined thieves.
The surge in break-ins has left many families feeling vulnerable. For those living near trails and green spaces, what was once a desirable feature of their neighborhood has now become a liability.
In the past six months alone, Oakville has reported 46 robbery incidents, and over the last year, there have been 232 break-ins—marking a significant rise compared to previous years.
In response to the uptick in crime, HRPS has urged residents to take precautions, such as securing all doors, windows, and gates, and installing motion-activated lighting in dark outdoor areas.
For residents like Soomro, however, these measures offer little comfort. “It’s terrifying. No one feels safe anymore,” he said.
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