Alleged thieves use garage door openers to break into south Windsor homes

Windsor police cruiser at headquarters in Windsor, Ont., on Wednesday, March 20, 2024. (Melanie Kentner/CTV News Windsor)

One suspect was arrested and police are seeking another suspect after several residential break-ins and car thefts in south Windsor.

Shortly after 7:30 a.m. on Jan. 7, police responded to a report of a break-and-enter at a residence in the 3900 block of Roseland Drive West.

Officers determined that two suspects drove to the house in a stolen vehicle and then entered an unlocked vehicle in the driveway. The suspects used the vehicle’s garage door opener to gain access to the home’s garage, where they stole multiple personal items.

Police say the suspects then stole a second vehicle from a nearby driveway and drove to another house on the 4000 block of the same street. They once again entered a vehicle in the driveway and used the garage door opener to gain access to an attached garage. Once inside, the suspects stole personal items before fleeing the scene.

The next day, officers located and arrested a 35-year-old man in the 800 block of Elliott Street East. Police say the stolen motor vehicles were recovered in the area where the suspect was arrested.

He has been charged with:

• Break-and-enter and commit into dwelling-house (x 2)
• Theft of a motor vehicle
• Wearing a disguise to commit an offence (x 2)
• Possession of property obtained by crime not exceeding $5,000

Police are still looking for the other suspect. He is described as a white male, with a thin build. At the time of the incident, he wore a black hat, a black hoodie, black pants, and black shoes.

Officers remind residents to refrain from leaving garage door openers inside vehicles overnight, and to ensure vehicles remain locked.

The Windsor Police Target Base Unit asks residents and business owners in the area to check their surveillance or dashcam footage, specifically between the hours of 4:30 and 7:30 a.m. on Jan. 7, for evidence that may assist with the investigation.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the Target Base Unit at 519-255-6700, ext. 4350. They can also contact Windsor & Essex County Crime Stoppers anonymously at 519-258-8477 (TIPS) or online at www.catchcrooks.com.