Break-ins linked to travelling crime groups spike across Calgary

Calgary police are warning residents to stay alert as break-ins linked to travelling crime groups targeting homes increase across the city. Since the start of the year, Calgary police have linked over 40 residential break-ins to travelling crime groups operating across several provinces, with most incidents occurring in northwest and south Calgary communities.

Sandwich board signs are now appearing in several Calgary neighbourhoods as police try to get the public's attention and prevent residents from becoming victims of theft. "We just weren't getting a lot of traction with social media, so we moved to just try something a little more rudimentary with sandwich board signs, thinking we would just catch a little bit more attention from people," said Superintendent Keith Hurley. "And we started seeing that some of our crime was reducing, so we just expanded the platform."

Police say the groups typically target higher-end homes, looking for jewelry and other valuables. Thieves have made off with safes that weren't bolted down. The groups favour properties backing onto green spaces, with break-ins happening between 6 and 8 p.m.

Investigators say suspects will often enter through a back gate before moving around the property, checking side doors, back doors, and windows for an easy point of entry. Police recommend double-checking locked doors and windows, leaving lights on, and keeping an eye on neighbours' properties.