Rash of doorbell-style break-ins hits east Hamilton Mountain neighbourhood

Police say a quiet east Hamilton Mountain neighbourhood has become a target for crime after homes in the area were hit by a rash of doorbell break-ins in recent months.

They say this has been going on in the area for months and are asking for the public’s help to crack this mini crime wave, which they say has led to $100,000 in goods being stolen.

Detectives say one man is suspected so far in a string of break-ins on Hamilton’s east Mountain.

Officers released doorbell video footage of the suspect from two recent break and enters, which shows a man with a medium build.

They say there’ve been eight other similar break-ins in the past four months, and that it is possible they were carried out by the same person.

The area involved is 1 sq. km on the east Mountain, bounded by Mohawk Rd. East, Limeridge Rd. East, Upper Ottawa and Upper Kenilworth Streets.

Investigators say the suspect rings the doorbell to see if anybody’s home before breaking in.

WATCH MORE: Police seek help identifying man after break-ins on east Hamilton Mountain

“We believe at that point in time, the suspect then believes that nobody is home, enters the residence and then targets jewelry, high-end bags, and small electronics,” said Hamilton police Det. Staff Sgt. Steve Bereziuk. “We can’t say for certain that he’s responsible for ten entries in the area, but due to the proximity of the entries, it’s certainly a theory that we’re considering.”

They say the thefts so far have been worth about $100,000, some of it being jewelry and with gold at all-time high prices.

None of the people CHCH News spoke with in the area Friday recognized the suspect, but news of the break-ins was upsetting.

“You know, residential entries — it’s a great violation of people’s trust,” said Bereziuk. “This is their home, this is their castle and they should not be victimized like this.”

Police are hoping someone can identify the suspect.

“We are asking for people, if they see the video clips that we’re releasing — maybe check your cameras if you can, let us know if you see the same individual,” said Bereziuk. “If that particular individual is watching this I would encourage them to proactively reach out to me so that we can connect.”

Police say there has been no indication so far of violence in these crimes, but they do suggest keeping lights on at night, because criminals like to work in the dark.

READ MORE: Police investigating break-ins in Waterford and Simcoe