Seniors beware

Times Contributor

 

Since the beginning of summer Strathmore has been plagued with many break and enters occurring mostly to seniors homes. Since May there have been sixteen break and enters, with the two most recent happening the morning of August 14. All the break-ins are similar in occurrence said Cpl. Mark Harrison of the Strathmore RCMP.

“The suspect or suspects is targeting seniors or senior complexes in the community,” said Harrison. “He’s gaining access through unlocked patio doors or cutting the screens on windows and patio doors that are left (open) and entering these apartments through the cut screens, taking money from purses and wallets while the people are still inside the residence sleeping.” Houses where people are away on vacation have been avoided. This can be a very dangerous situation for the occupants sleeping in their home. Strathmore RCMP advise everyone to be more cautious. 

The pattern has been consistent for virtually all of the break and enters, which happen around 2:30 a.m. – 3:30 a.m. in the morning, leading the RCMP to believe this could be the same person or persons repeating these offences. The RCMP urges everyone, especially those in the seniors or over 50 housing complexes in town, to lock their doors and keep their windows closed at night. 

“Even though it is in the warmer weather we still need to secure those windows and patio doors to make sure that people don’t have access to your house or apartment, even while you’re home,” said Harrison. “The main concern for us is [they’re] targeting these homes while people are in them, sleeping in their home.”