Durham Regional Police are warning residents about a recent increase in residential break-ins believed to be connected to an organized group operating across parts of the region.
The reported Durham home break-ins have occurred primarily in Clarington, Pickering and Whitby. Investigators say the suspects may be posing as landscapers or tradespeople to avoid attracting attention while moving through residential neighbourhoods.
No arrests have been announced, and police have not disclosed the total number of homes affected.
Durham Home Break-Ins Target Properties Near Greenspaces
Police have identified a pattern in which suspects use parks, walking trails and greenspaces to approach the rear of residential properties.
After entering backyards, the suspects allegedly force their way into homes. In some incidents, rear sliding-glass doors were shattered. In other cases, ladders were used to reach second-storey windows.
Approaching from behind a property may help suspects avoid doorbell cameras, traffic on residential streets and neighbours watching the front of a home.
Police have not identified the affected streets or neighbourhoods. The advisory also does not provide specific dates, losses or descriptions of property taken during the break-ins.
Suspects Allegedly Pose as Workers
Investigators say the suspects may carry tools and present themselves as landscapers or tradespeople while moving through neighbourhoods.
They have been described as male suspects wearing medical masks, baseball hats, dark-coloured shorts, T-shirts and gloves. Police say they may also carry backpacks.
Residents should not assume that every person carrying tools is involved in criminal activity. Instead, police recommend reporting behaviour that appears suspicious, particularly when people carrying ladders or work equipment cannot be connected with a nearby property.
Residents should avoid confronting suspicious individuals. A crime in progress or an immediate threat should be reported through 911.
Police Recommend Strengthening Home Security
Durham police recommend keeping doors and windows locked, including when residents are working in their yards or garages.
Sliding doors and accessible windows can be strengthened with security bars, secondary locks, anti-lift devices or protective security film. Strike plates and exterior doors can also be reinforced with longer screws and stronger deadbolts.
Additional precautions include:
- Installing motion-activated lighting near entrances and dark areas
- Trimming bushes that could conceal someone near a window or door
- Locking backyard gates
- Storing ladders and tools in secured sheds or garages
- Keeping valuables away from visible windows
- Using timers to make an empty home appear occupied
- Asking trusted neighbours to watch the property while away
Police also recommend security cameras that cover entrances, driveways, rear doors and other blind spots. Cameras should be positioned high enough to discourage tampering while still capturing useful images.
Residents can register eligible security cameras through the CAMSafe program. Registration does not provide police with direct camera access, but it can help investigators identify nearby footage following an incident.
Report Suspicious Activity to Police
Anyone who sees suspicious people in backyards, parks, trails or greenspaces should note their appearance and direction of travel from a safe location.
Residents should also watch for unfamiliar vehicles or individuals carrying ladders and tools without any apparent connection to a nearby home.
Suspicious activity can be reported to Durham Regional Police at 905-579-1520. Call 911 when a break-in is happening or there is an immediate danger to public safety.
Police continue to investigate the Durham home break-ins and are urging residents in Clarington, Pickering and Whitby to review their security measures and remain alert.
