Police report 13 break-ins to student houses over holiday break

On Sunday, Jan. 5, 2020, as students returned to their Kingston homes after the holiday break, Kingston Police began to receive an influx of reports of break-ins in the University District.

On that date alone, six break and enter cases were called in to Kingston Police from houses in the area surrounding Queen’s University campus. In total, from Sunday, Dec. 15, 2019 to Tuesday, Jan. 7, 2020, there were 13 break and enters in the area reported to police. Police said clothing, electronics and household items were the primary items stolen during the break and enters.

While break-ins at student houses during holiday breaks are not a new trend, the issue is one that police are cautioning students to be aware of – and something students can take steps to prevent, according to Kingston Police.

“Police continue to ask students not to leave any valuables or electronics at their residence over an extended period of time while away and to take them home if at all possible. We also encourage students to let their landlords know when they are leaving and returning so that the property can be checked while they are away,” said Const. Ash Gutheinz, media relations officer for Kingston Police.

“It is important to keep windows and doors secure and we encourage landlords to install motion lights and keep the property well-lit,” Gutheinz continued. “It could also prove beneficial to leave various interior lights on inside the residence while away. It is important to not leave any valuables out in plain sight. Police encourage students to report any suspicious behavior that they observe in and around their property.”

It is also important to report any break-ins that might have occurred to police. Anyone who may have information regarding these or any other break and enter cases is asked to contact Kingston Police at 613-549-4660.