Timmins police see an increase in break and enters

Timmins police said they’ve noticed an increase in the number of break-ins throughout the city.

Pita Pit is one of at least three small businesses in downtown Timmins with its doors busted.

Timmins businesses are being plagued with break-ins. December 12, 2024 (Lydia Chubak/CTV Northern Ontario)

"We usually do see an increase with break and enters and activity as we approach the holiday season," said Tim Chalmers, acting Insp. with Timmins Police Service.

"The officers are aware, they are out there on patrol, being as visible as they can."

Sweet Freez is temporarily closed due to a break-in.

Timmins Health is open, but it’s going to cost more than $2,000 to replace the front door, the owner Roger Bouvier said.

Bouvier, who said he's also out some cash and products, asks people not to rob others.

"People who are committed to helping others, don’t try and take their life away for your own gain; come and ask for help instead of stealing," he said.

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Chalmers could not provide CTV News with the number of break-ins that have occurred over the past week and a half at this time, but he said officers are investigating each one.

"They're scattered and are concentrated in one area and our officers can't be everywhere all at once," he said.

"So, it is frustrating for, I know, the store owners, it's also frustrating for the police as well."

Chalmers said no suspects have been arrested yet, but investigators are working on identifying some.

Among the suggestions he offers to store owners to combat the problem are to consider leaving lights on, use motion detectors, connect alarm systems to smartphones and install bars on windows and doors.