The Waterloo Regional Police Service is warning residents about a recent trend of residential break-and-enters targeting homes that back onto greenspace, wooded areas, and public walkways. 

In these incidents, suspects are targeting homes while residents are away, typically gaining entry through the rear of the property. Investigators have identified individuals linked to organized crime networks, primarily originating from South America and Eastern Europe, who travel to Canada to commit property-related offences. These individuals may be responsible for multiple break-ins before leaving the country. 

During the break-and-enters, suspects primarily targeted cash, jewelry, designer handbags, accessories, and other high-value items.

Between October 16, 2026, and October 17, 2026, police received reports of three residential break-ins involving homes backing onto green space on Lands Court and Chase Crescent in Cambridge. At the time of the incidents, a grey Toyota RAV4, pictured below, was observed circling the area and is believed to be connected to the incidents. 

As part of the investigation, officers are asking residents and motorists who may have dash camera, residential security camera, or other video footage to review their recordings and provide any relevant footage. Police are particularly interested in footage captured between 8:30 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. on October 16, 2026, from the following areas:

• Lands Court
• Chase Crescent
• Henwood Drive
• Porter Crescent
• Weir Street
• Baldwin Drive

Residents whose properties back onto greenspaces, wooded areas, or public walkways are encouraged to be particularly vigilant and consider additional security measures at the rear of their homes. This may include ensuring gates are secured, installing exterior lighting and surveillance cameras, and keeping valuables out of sight. 

Waterloo Regional Police are encouraging residents to:

• Avoid keeping large amounts of cash in their homes.
• Store jewelry and other valuables in a quality, secured safe or safety deposit box rather than easily accessible areas, such as bedrooms.
• Ensure doors and windows, particularly those at the rear and sides of the home, are properly secured.
• Consider installing security cameras that provide coverage of the rear and sides of the property, in addition to the front entrance.
• Ensure security cameras are functioning properly and capable of capturing clear video.
• Notify trusted neighbours when away for extended periods of time and arrange for someone to check on the residence, collect mail and packages from the front door.
• Report any suspicious activity, persons or vehicles to police immediately. 

Video surveillance can significantly assist investigators by capturing suspicious individuals, vehicles and activity before, during or after a break-and-enter.

Residents are also reminded to report suspicious activity in their neighbourhoods. Individuals involved in these offences may conduct surveillance of residences before a break-and-enter to determine when occupants are away.

Suspicious activity can include unfamiliar individuals or vehicles repeatedly observed in a neighbourhood, or individuals appearing to watch or approach homes. Suspects may wear dark clothing, hoods or face coverings and carry bags.

Anyone who observes a break-and-enter in progress or an immediate threat to public safety should call 911.

Anyone with information regarding residential break-and-enters or suspicious activity is encouraged to contact WRPS’ Break and Enter, Auto Theft, and Robbery (BEAR) Unit at 519-570-9777, extension 8255.