Halton Police Warn Organized Crime Groups Target Homes Near Green Spaces Halton Regional Police say organized crime groups are increasingly targeting homes near trails and green spaces for break-and-enters, often between 5 p.m. and 10 p.m. using smashed rear doors or windows. Homes backing onto trail systems or green spaces are being increasingly targeted for break-and-enters by organized crime groups, Halton Regional Police say. The warning comes as investigators note a pattern in which thieves exploit reduced daylight hours and darkness to conceal their movements. Halton Police Warn of Targeted Break-insIn a news release issued Wednesday, police confirmed that officers are beginning to see the pattern in break-and-enter investigations. Investigators have noted that homes backing onto, or located near, trail systems and green spaces are being specifically targeted, the release read. Thieves are taking advantage of reduced daylight hours, with most break-ins occurring between 5 p.m. and 10 p.m. Unlit and unoccupied homes are particularly vulnerable, according to police.Police said thieves gain entry by smashing rear doors or windows using tools, exploiting the darkness to conceal their movements. Police believe organized crime groups responsible for similar offences across the region are behind these increases, the release read. Before committing these crimes, suspects often conduct surveillance on neighbourhoods. They wait for residents to return home from work and then leave again for evening errands such as grocery shopping or childrens sports.How Organized Crime Groups OperateEntry is typically made once they believe the home is empty. Once inside, thieves quickly ransack areas of the home, searching for cash, jewelry, luxury items, and government identification, police noted. Minutes later, the suspects flee the area undetected. The suspects, police said, are typically dressed in dark clothing, gloves, facial coverings, and carry backpacks.The attire, they say, allows them to blend in with pedestrian traffic along residential streets and trail systems. Police are urging residents to remain vigilant and to immediately report any suspicious persons, activity, or vehicles to police, the news release read. The service continues to investigate the break-and-enters as part of a broader regional trend.