OTTAWA Police’s Break and Enter Unit is warning the public about a series of daytime break-and-enters in homes in North Kanata, Manotick, and Halfmoon Bay areas.
Staff-Sgt. John Ferguson said on Thursday: “We have received 16 reports recently in regard to residential break-ins, with 12 of those incidents occurring over a three-day period last week.”
He added: “Most of these incidents involve properties belonging to South Asian and [East] Asian residents who have religious decorations on their properties.”
The suspects, described as four Black males without any discernable accent, ages 20 to 30, will approach a residence without a car in the driveway and knock on the door. If a resident answers, they will say they are soliciting business such as offering to do lawn care, and when told no will immediately leave.
“If nobody answers the door, as we have seen on doorbell camera video, they will leave and come back a short time later and forcibly gain access to the residence,” said Ferguson.
The Break and Enter Unit is working with other police agencies who have been responding to similar calls in their jurisdiction.
“Be smart when answering your door, ask them to provide identification or a business card to validate who they say they are,” said Ferguson. “If they can’t provide information, the moment they leave, please dial 911 so we can dispatch officers.”
The suspects are believed to be driving a grey Nissan Pathfinder with tinted windows and are using a stolen licence plate CWNL 816.
Anyone with information is asked to call the Ottawa Police Break and Enter Unit at 613-236-1222, extension 4533.
Anonymous tips can be submitted by calling Crime Stoppers toll-free at 1-800-222-8477 or at crimestoppers.ca
