Homes backing onto trails, parks more susceptible to break-ins, police investigate trend
Posted Sep 2, 2026 06:33:07 AM.
A slew of reported home break-ins this August has the Waterloo Regional Police Service (WRPS) asking homeowners who have property backing onto a trail or greenspace to take extra caution.
“Police are noticing a trend involving suspects gaining entry through rear doors of homes, particularly residences backing onto greenspaces, trails, parks, and wooded areas,” said police.
In August, police were called in numerous incidents involving a suspect or suspects breaking into a home through a back door. That home, typically backed onto a greenspace or trail.
Just this past weekend on Saturday night, homeowners on Driftwood Drive came home to an alleged break and enter while it was happening, with the rear glass door smashed.
Police said this was the second reported break-in in this neighbourhood in August alone.
In this latest case, police are asking anyone with security cameras on Royal Orchard Drive, Toynbee Crescent, Deerwood Crescent, and Royal Orchard Place to check their footage between 9:00 p.m. and 10:30 p.m. on August 29.
Police are also investigating a pair of similar incidents in Cambridge in the area of Patton Drive and Bartleman Crescent.
Two homes were reportedly broken into last Wednesday, August 26 in the middle of the afternoon, between 2:00-4:00 p.m.
Glass doors at the back of the homes were also smashed.
Police have these tips for homeowners who could be targeted:
- Keep doors and windows locked, even when at home
- Install audible alarm systems
- Secure residences with video surveillance cameras at the front and rear of the property
- Consider using trail cameras if the property backs onto greenspace, trails, parks, or wooded areas
- Notify trusted neighbours when away for an extended period and arrange for someone to check on the residence
- Report suspicious persons or vehicles to police immediately.
More from police
