Grey Bruce OPP is asking for any information surrounding a series of break-ins at a construction site in Meaford.
Police say that since late October, there have been five reports of break-ins and damage to homes under construction on Hilton Lane in Meaford.
Community Services and Media Officer Constable Krista Linthorne says that although nobody lives in the homes yet, the incidents are classified as Break & Enter, in addition to the property damage caused by the vandalism once the assailants gain access.
While the new homes aren’t being lived in, it can be concerning to anyone looking to live in the area.
“Absolutely, it’d be a concern if you’re going to buy [a home] in this area that there’s all of these break-ins happening and the vandalism to the residences, that it could continue to occur after you’ve moved in,” she says. “Or while you’re moved in and [happen] to the other residences that are still being built.”
As for who the suspects could be, Linthorne says that the OPP believes that it’s youths in the area breaking in and causing damage to the homes.
Linthorne says that the suspects have been gaining access through the soffits of the houses.
The vandalism to the different houses ranges from drywall damage, to spray paint on walls, and damage to electrical panels.
There was also one instance where the suspects had a fire in the basement of one of the homes.
If you’re looking to prevent having your house broken into, “We recommend everyone have good lighting. Typically new builds have good lighting anyway,” Linthorne says, adding that installing alarm systems and using video cameras are also good measures to take.
She also recommends making sure that landscaping isn’t in front of windows, to prevent someone from using it as a hiding place.
It’s also recommended you make sure that there aren’t tools around that would help someone break in, including rocks that can be used by an assailant to smash a window and gain access.
Linthorne is reminding residents that they can also register their home surveillance cameras with the CAMSafe program so that in the event of vandalism or theft in the neighbourhood, they know who to ask for footage to find potential suspects.
