Calgary Police Link Dozens of Home Burglaries to Foreign Roving Crime Groups
Calgary police have issued a warning that criminal groups, potentially originating from Latin America and eastern Europe, are believed to be responsible for a series of home burglaries across the city. These roving gangs are suspected of traveling between Canadian cities to commit crimes, with at least 43 residential break-ins reported since the start of the year in eight specific communities.
Pattern of Break-Ins and Targeted Communities
The burglaries follow a distinct pattern, typically occurring between 6 and 8 p.m., when many residents are away for errands or family activities. Suspects often access homes through backyards to remain out of view from streets and sidewalks. The affected communities include Scenic Acres, Aspen Woods, Douglasdale, Patterson, Woodbine, Hamptons, Edgemont, and Evergreen.
Police describe the culprits as operating in groups of two or three, wearing masks and gloves. They briefly case homes before entering to steal easily moveable, high-value items such as jewelry and cash. In one incident, offenders were observed removing an entire safe from a residence, indicating their willingness to take larger items when uninterrupted.
Connection to National Crime Trends
Law enforcement in Ontario has identified similar criminal activities involving roving gangs from countries like Chile and Georgia, using reduced daylight hours to facilitate break-ins. Calgary police note that these groups often return to their home countries after daylight savings ends, a cyclical pattern observed over several years. Due to similarities in occurrences, authorities believe the same groups may now be targeting Calgary homeowners.
Vehicles of Interest and Public Vigilance
Calgary police have identified three vehicles that could be transporting the criminals in residential areas:
- A black 2023-2025 Ford Escape ST-Line with dark wheels and lights extending across the front.
- A black 2013-2015 Toyota RAV4 with heavy tinting.
- A black 2017-2019 Toyota Highlander with black wheels.
The public is urged to be vigilant and report unfamiliar vehicles moving through neighborhoods between 6 and 8 p.m., as well as small groups of people in backyards. Police emphasize that public vigilance and prompt reporting are key to disrupting these traveling crime groups.
How to Report Information
Residents can contact police at 403-266-1234 or provide anonymous tips to Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477, via the P3 Tips app, or at www.calgarycrimestoppers.org. Authorities stress the importance of community cooperation in identifying and apprehending those responsible for these crimes.
