Residents of Oakville, Ontario, are on edge as a spike in burglaries has been noted since October, particularly in homes adjacent to green spaces and trail systems.
Maqsood Soomro, a resident whose house borders a green area, has experienced the terror of these burglaries firsthand. His property has been violated three times, including an unsuccessful attempt to steal his car, despite the presence of a mobilizer. “They believe they can commit these acts without consequences,” Soomro said. His family now lives in an environment of discomfort and apprehension, expecting the burglars to strike again.
Soomro expressed his discontent over the rising burglary incidents, questioning if the authorities are adequately addressing the problem. “The police asked if we had insurance when we reported the incident. But it’s not about insurance, it’s about criminals trespassing your property,” he added.
The Halton Regional Police Service (HRPS) has confirmed that these incidents are not random. Since October 1, there have been 17 similar cases, a significant increase compared to the 24 home break-ins reported throughout 2023. Authorities believe that criminals are taking advantage of the natural cover provided by trails and green spaces to infiltrate homes unnoticed.
According to the police, these burglaries usually take place between 6 p.m. and 9 p.m., when winter darkness sets in early, and homeowners are preoccupied with their evening routines.
Criminals seem to prefer green spaces and trail systems as they offer discreet routes, allowing them to approach targets with minimal visibility. Once inside, burglars focus on high-value items such as cash, jewelry, and vehicles.
Charlie Akbari, another resident, voiced his concerns after his Porsche was stolen. “Oakville residents are being specifically targeted. It seems we can’t own nice things anymore,” he lamented. Both Akbari and Soomro have installed extensive security systems in their homes but believe that more needs to be done to deter thieves.
In the last six months, Oakville has experienced 46 robbery incidents, with 232 reported break-ins in the past year, marking a significant increase from the previous year. In response to the surge, HRPS has advised residents to take preventative measures, like locking all doors, windows, and gates, and installing automatic lights in dark areas surrounding their homes.
However, for residents like Soomro, these precautions may not be enough to tackle the deeper problem. “It’s frightening. No one is safe,” he said.
