High temperatures can leave homeowners more vulnerable to break-ins, whether you’re inside the home or not.
Gatineau police are pointing to heat as a reason why home robberies have tripled in the past month, as more windows and doors are left open.
A rash of robberies in one south Ottawa neighbourhood also has residents on edge, since many were inside sleeping at the time.
Maggie Beaucage said she was almost a victim.
“The screen had been cut right here and (someone) . . . tried to put their hand in,” she said of a cut on her screen door.
“We looked and the screens that were on the veranda (were cut) . . . I turned to my husband and said ‘somebody tried to get in here last night.’”
Five homes were targeted around Kingsdale Avenue in Ottawa's Blossom Park neighbourhood overnight on Monday, for reasons police said are common.
“It comes back to drugs and the drug trade . . . suspects are looking to grab something for the day or two,” said Sgt. Mike Noonan.
“We’re not talking about a government employee who’s lost his job and decides he’s going to start committing residential break and enters.”
Ottawa police said break-ins are not on the rise in that city, but gave suggestions on how to protect your home:
- Make your presence known inside when you hear a knock on the door, even if you don’t want to answer.
- Make sure to close and lock garage doors, day and night.
- Secure patio doors.
With a report from CTV Ottawa’s Catherine Lathem
