Break-ins soar in Winnipeg's River Heights — again

A community group is warning residents about a spike in break-ins across the River Heights neighbourhood in Winnipeg.

The Smashed Window Club says there has been a noticeable increase in reports and discussion on the anti-crime group's Facebook page since mid-February.

Streets in western areas of the community have been targeted, including Borebank, where a number of reports were made within the last few days, the group says.

"Most recently, on Monday morning, a Yale home was invaded with a back door kicked in. The homeowner scared off the intruders when he emerged from an upper floor of the residence, but not before they stole a mobile phone," the group stated in a news release.

Police spokesman Const. Jason Michalyshen confirmed the break-in on Yale and the acknowledged the upward trend in crimes in the neighbourhood.

"We have recognized a slight increase in property crimes in the area mentioned," he said. 

The SWC advises residents to take the following actions:

• Do not keep any valuables in your car and ensure nothing is visible.
• Should your car be broken into, regardless of anything being taken, complete a phone (204-986-6222) or online police report.
• Share your information with your neighbours and the SWC Facebook group.

The Smashed Window Club started up in 2015 during one of the neighbourhood's earlier spikes in crime.The Facebook page is used to report and share information.

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