LOCAL RESIDENTS ARE on high alert following a string of home invasions that took place in York Region last month.
On April 9, at about 8:15 a.m., a resident of the Bayview Avenue and Elgin Mills Road area answered her door and was confronted by a suspect who forced his way inside.
The suspect tied the woman up and then ransacked several rooms, obtaining a quantity of cash. He then threatened her with a knife and tried to obtain her banking information. The woman managed to break free and contact police. She was treated at the hospital for minor injuries.
On April 20, at about 11:30 a.m., a similar incident took place. A woman answered the door of her Vaughan home and was greeted by two suspects posing as couriers. One of the suspects then produced a firearm and forced the victim into the master bedroom, holding her at gunpoint while the other suspect searched the room.
During the home invasion, the woman’s husband returned and entered through the garage where he was confronted by a third suspect. However, her husband was able to escape, and all three suspects subsequently fled the scene.
Another invasion took place in Vaughan, near Bathurst Street and Centre Street, on April 23. At about 7 p.m., three men entered the basement apartment of an elderly couple through an unlocked sliding door. One of the suspects brandished a shotgun. The suspects stole a cell phone, then fled the scene in a waiting vehicle.
Police are reminding local residents not to open the door for strangers. They should also keep all doors and windows in their home locked at all times.
Anyone with information about these incidents is asked to contact police.