B&E’s to Off-Campus Student Residences

In the past two years, the number of break and enters to off-campus student residences approximately doubled in December, compared to November. The number of these break and enters more than doubled in the latter half of December in both years.

Commencing on December 4, 2014, the London Police Service engaged in an extensive crime prevention program that engaged the student associations at Western University and Fanshawe College. This program involved media releases, social media campaigns, and London Police Service officers and auxiliaries attending high risk areas to educate students about the need to lock their doors and bring valuables home with them for the holidays.

Since December 19, 2014, the beginning of the student holiday break, the London Police Service has observed an increase in break and enters to off-campus student homes around Western University and Fanshawe College.

The break and enters occurred to homes in the areas near:
Wharncliffe Road North and Western Road (3)
Richmond Street and Cheapside Street (4)
Farnsborough Crescent and Cheapside Street (4)

It is believed a vehicle was used as large TV’s were taken in some of the B&E’s. Electronics were mostly targeted, as were alcohol and money.

The crime prevention program appears to have had some positive effect as the current break and enters involved forced entry through doors and windows. There is concern that the above numbers may not fully represent the total number of B&E’s as many students have not returned and discovered break-ins to their homes.

Residents in these areas are asked to be vigilant for suspicious persons checking doors and windows or entering backyards or secluded areas of neighbouring properties. Any suspicious activity should be reported to police immediately by calling 519-661-5670 or 911.

The Crime Analysis Unit of the London Police Service detected this pattern using analytical software purchased using a grant from the Ministry of Community Safety and Correctional Services. The mapping software can be viewed at this link: http://bit.ly/1sTzG7S

Over 150,000 Monthly Readers! 1 Million+ Across the entire FreePress Network.