CREDIT: LONDON POLICE SERVICE
The targeted area within John Street to Oxford Street and Talbot Street to Richmond Street is seeing an increase in break and enters in 2014.

London Police Service has identified a 60.8 per cent increase in residential break and enters and a 55.3 per cent increase in thefts from vehicles in the neighbourhood bounded by John Street to Oxford Street and Talbot Street to Richmond Street compared to the area’s yearly average.

There have been 32 residential break and enters between January and September in the area and 96 theft from vehicles, according to a LPS media release. The yearly average for the area is 26 residential break and enters and 71 theft from vehicles.

Police say the main items being targeted in residential break and enters are electronics, such as mobile phones and laptops.

As for thefts from vehicles, perpetrators are attracted to any visible valuables, such as bags and GPSs.

“In the break-ins to vehicles, it’s similar items [that get stolen] – anything that’s easily converted to cash,” said Const. Ken Steeves, media relations officer for LPS.

The offenses are being committed at all hours of the day.

“For the break and enters, what we’re suggesting is you keep your doors lock,” Steeves said. “It’s the student residences that are being targeted. So, rather than leaving your door unlocked for a roommate, we suggest everyone have a key and that way the doors can remain lock at all times.”

Police also recommend locking windows as the main entry points in break and enters are unlocked doors and windows.

As for thefts from vehicles, Steeves suggest hiding bags, purses and valuable objects.

“To a criminal, it doesn’t matter what the value is to us. If they can easily convert it to $10 or $20, they’d be happy to smash your window and grab the item or items and run away.”

Even if it’s just a gym bag.

“The criminals don’t know what’s in it. So, they’re going to smash your window or open your door if its left unlocked, and they’re going to steal it and find out later what’s in it.”

Steeves says reporting suspicious activity to LPS at 519-661-5670 is also important.