A recent spike in property crime is forcing residents in the River Heights neighbourhood to take extra precautions to stay safe.

Naomi Finkelstein has lived in the area since 1997 and says she’s notice a major spike in crime in the last few years.

“It’s very frustrating and it’s frightening,” said Finkelstein. “I don't leave my door unlocked anymore, I used to, when I first moved in the house if I was going into the garden on the other side of the garage, I left my door unlocked, never now.”

In May, Finkelstein says someone searched through her garage, stole a phone charger from her car and broke her car mirror.

She says she leaves her garage door open to avoid any damage from someone trying to break in and makes sure to leave nothing of value out in the open. Her bikes and lawnmower are kept under lock and key.

Finkelstein said her neighbours have also been hit over the years, but this year has been exceptionally bad.

"Lots of people have had their car windows broken more than once, their cars rifled through, I don't lock my car anymore because I don't want a smashed window," said Finkelstein.

The recent spike in property crime has pushed Finkelstein to purchase a home-security camera system. She says the cameras provide her with an added sense of security and hopes it’ll also help catch some of the suspects.

“I’m hoping it will act as a deterrent and maybe if they if they aren’t putting their hoods up, which they often do, a face will be recognized and the police might be able to do something with that,” added Finkelstein.

Police said criminals are targeting areas where cars are parked on the street and where homes have back lanes with detached garages.

Police respond

The Winnipeg Police Service has confirmed with CTV News that there has been an increase in property crime numbers in the River Heights neighbourhood.

“In response to that we have a service wide program called smart policing initiative,” said Const. Rob Carver with the Winnipeg Police Service. “It’s a data driven system where we deploy resources based on where the hot spots are, River Heights is currently a hot spot.”

The force says it is adjusting patrol schedules and adding resources to the neighbourhood to help resolve the issue.

Police said the majority of these types of crimes are happening between 2 and 4 a.m.