People living in Oakville, Ont. are feeling uneasy as break-ins targeting homes near green spaces and trails have increased since October.
Maqsood Soomro, whose home backs onto a green space, has been living through this nightmare. His property has been hit three times, with the latest attempt involving thieves trying to steal his car, even though he has a mobilizer installed.
“They think they can get away with it,” Soomro said. “My family is very uncomfortable now, I’m sure it will happen again.”
Soomro voiced his concerns about the recent rise in break-ins and questioned whether enough action is being taken to address the problem. “When we reported it, the police asked if we had insurance. But it’s not about the insurance; it’s a criminal on your property,” he said. “I want to get rid of the car now.”
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These break-ins are not one-off cases. The Halton Regional Police Service (HRPS) has reported 17 incidents like this since October 1 – a concerning rise compared to only 24 home break-ins reported throughout all of 2023.
Halton Police officials noted that criminals seem to be taking advantage of the natural cover provided by trails and green spaces, using these areas to access homes without being seen.
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The police advisory indicates that these types of break-ins mostly happen between 6 p. m. and 9 p. m., when it’s dark earlier in winter, giving thieves cover while residents are often preoccupied with their evening routines.
An email from Halton Police stated that criminals likely feel there’s less chance of being spotted by neighbors or residents during those hours.
The presence of green spaces and trail systems provides discreet pathways for thieves, enabling them to approach targets with little visibility. According to police, this method allows easy access to back doors, which are frequently used entry points during burglaries due to their reduced visibility compared to front doors.
The advisory also warns residents against leaving ladders outside since some burglars have used them to reach second-story windows or balconies.
Burglaries typically focus on high-value items like cash, jewelry, and even cars once inside.
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‘You can’t have nice things anymore’
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An additional resident, Charlie Akbari, expressed his worries after his Porsche was stolen. “Residents in Oakville are specifically targeted. You can’t have nice things anymore,” he said.
Soomro and Akbari both mentioned having various security systems set up at their homes but don’t believe enough is being done to deter thieves.
The repeated invasions have made many families feel exposed; now with an added fear of being targeted because they live close to trails or green spaces, what used to provide privacy has become an opportunity for criminals.
A total of 46 robbery incidents were reported in Oakville over the last six months alone, with 232 burglaries documented within the past year – a significant increase compared to last year’s figures.
<p. In response to this troubling trend HRPS recommends that residents take preventive steps such as ensuring all doors, windows and gates are locked and adding automatic lighting in poorly lit areas around their homes.
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<p For individuals like Soomro however these measures might not suffice against deeper issues at play. “It’s scary. No one is safe.”
