Staff Report
BRANT NEWS

Brantford police are reminding local residents to take security precautions on their properties after receiving 13 reports of residential and garage break and enters since Friday last week.

Police say seven homeowners in the city’s south end reported their backyard sheds were entered either by force, locks being cut or through unlocked doors.

One suspect tried to enter a shed by forcing a window open.

In one incident, homeowners were woken up at about 4 a.m. and turned on their lights after hearing what they believed was a window breaking. Police say it is believed the thief was scared off and fled the backyard.

Investigators were contacted several hours later and located bolt cutters that did not belong to the home’s residents. The break-in tool was seized for forensic examination.

Officers are also investigating six reported residential break-ins in the north end of Brantford. In three of the incidents, homeowners were inside their residences during overnight entries.

Police say suspects are entering through doors or sliding main floor windows.

Investigators recommend that residents lock all their doors and windows and check that any outdoor motion-sensing lights are working properly.

Police say homeowners should not put themselves at risk by confronting any suspects or trespassers.

Officers are asking residents to contact police if they witness any suspicious vehicles or persons in their neighbourhoods, or if they believe they have been victimized by theft or attempted theft, regardless if any property was stolen.

Police recommend that homeowners have a neighbour or friend check their properties if leaving for a day or an extended period of time and record serial numbers of valuables, including bicycles and electronics.

Anyone with information about any recent break-in in the city is asked to contact the street crime unit at 519-756-7050.