Break and enter spree in Wellington West area

There is a break and entre spree taking place in Ottawa and one neighbourhood is the target. Since April, eight businesses have been broken into in the Hintonburg area.

Dusted fingerprints along the railing outside Mint Hair Studio on Wellington Street West serve as a reminder of Tuesday’s break and enter. The studio’s owners said it is the second break and enter at the salon in the last year and a half.

“It’s really hard to get ahead when this is happening,” said Kristen Atkinson, the salon’s owner.

Atkinson said on Tuesday someone kicked in the studio’s back door to gain access inside, but fled when the security alarm sounded. Atkinson said their security cameras did capture images of a possible suspect which have been submitted to Ottawa Police.

“It shakes your sense of security a little bit and it costs a lot of money, it has cost me close to $5000 dollars,” said Atkinson.

Police are investigating, and say it is too early to determine if this is the work of one person , but admit the break and enters are similar.

“They’re breaking the glasses, they’re going in and they’re stealing whatever is available so laptops, something that is quick, cigarettes, money,” said Cst. Chuck Benoit.

On Wellington St. West four businesses were broken into this month including Mint Hair Studio, Inside Out Studio Barre, and Tall Tree Cycles on Wellington.

Owner at Inside Out Studio Barre, Greg Charron, said staff arrived on June 8^th to find the shattered glass from a broken door. He said someone stole their computers, money and studio items.

“Just the fact that strangers were in your house, like materialistic items that’s ok, that will be covered, but none the less I don’t like it, it gives you an eerie feeling,” said Charron.

Charron said video surveillance from the Metro Grocery store across the street showed a suspect leaving the scene in a beige coloured Toyota Corolla.

Police said the businesses seem to be targeted at random and owners in the area should remain vigilant.

“In that area, we’re willing to go and at least give them some options of what they should upgrade or what’s a bit weak on security,” said Cst. Benoit.

 Anyone with information regarding a robbery is asked to call the Ottawa Police's Robbery Unit at 613-236-1222, ext. 5116. Anonymous tips can be submitted to Crime Stoppers toll-free at 1-800-222-8477.