Break-and-enter crew targeting homes of South Asians and Asians, Ottawa police say

Published Oct 05, 2023 • Last updated 1 minute ago • 2 minute read

The Ottawa Police Service distributed this photo of a grey Nissan Pathfinder with tinted windows and a stolen licence plate CWNL 816 as part of an investigation into a series of break-and-enter/theft incidents in area homes. Photo by Ottawa Police Service /Handout

The Ottawa Police Service’s Break and Enter Unit says a recent series of daytime incidents in the North Kanata, Manotick and Halfmoon Bay areas have occurred primarily at homes belonging to members of the South Asian and Asian communities.

“We have received 16 reports recently in regard to residential break-ins, with 12 of those incidents occurring over a three-day period last week,” Staff Sgt. John Ferguson said in a news release on Thursday. “Most of these incidents involve properties belonging to South Asian and Asian residents who have religious decorations on their properties.”

Advertisement 2

This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below.

THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY

Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada.

Exclusive articles from Elizabeth Payne, David Pugliese, Andrew Duffy, Bruce Deachman and others. Plus, food reviews and event listings in the weekly newsletter, Ottawa, Out of Office.Unlimited online access to Ottawa Citizen and 15 news sites with one account.Ottawa Citizen ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition to view on any device, share and comment on.Daily puzzles, including the New York Times Crossword.Support local journalism.

SUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES

Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada.

Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience.

Access articles from across Canada with one account.Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments.Enjoy additional articles per month.Get email updates from your favourite authors.

Article content

The suspects were described as four Black males between the ages of 20 and 30.

According to police, these individuals will approach a residence without a car in the driveway and knock on the door. If a resident answers, they will say they are soliciting business, such as offering to do lawn care, and will immediately leave if the offer is refused.

“If nobody answers the door, as we have seen on doorbell camera video, they will leave and come back a short time later and forcibly gain access to the residence,” Ferguson’s statement added.

Thursday’s release said Ottawa’s Break and Enter Unit was working with other police agencies who had been responding to similar calls.

“Be smart when answering your door. Ask them to provide identification or a business card to validate who they say they are,” Ferguson added. “If they can’t provide information, the moment they leave, please dial 911 so we can dispatch officers.”

The suspects were believed to be driving a grey Nissan Pathfinder with tinted windows and the stolen Ontario licence plate CWNL 816, police said.

Another Ottawa police news release on Sept 28 about break-in between Sept. 24 and 27 referred to another suspect vehicle, described as a black, four-door Dodge Ram 1500 pick-up with a chrome rear bumper, front grill and wheels, deep tinted windows and the stolen Ontario licence plate BC22409.

Anyone with information about these break-ins was asked to call the Ottawa Police Break and Enter Unit at 613-236-1222, extension 4533. Anonymous tips can be submitted to Crime Stoppers toll-free at 1-800-222-8477 or online at crimestoppers.ca.

Our website is your destination for up-to-the-minute news, so make sure to bookmark our homepage and sign up for our newsletters so we can keep you informed.