Toronto police are warning Etobicoke residents to be aware of an increase in break-and-enters, after a 54-year-old woman was attacked and choked by a home invader.
Police said the most recent break-in was reported Thursday morning, after a man removed a mesh window screen and entered a home on Fernalroy Boulevard, near Royal York Road, south of Bloor Street West.
Investigators say a 54-year-old woman was in her bedroom and called out to the suspect, thinking it was her daughter. The suspect entered the bedroom, grabbed the woman by her throat and threw her on the bed, police allege.
The woman managed to escape and call police. The suspect was last seen getting into a waiting vehicle and fled south on Norseman Street.
Police said 28 break-ins have been reported in the area since the start of May, with the majority of victims being seniors.
Const. Wendy Drummond said a separate arrest was made last week. The person has been charged in connection to 13 of the reported break-ins.
Drummond said residents should secure their homes, especially during the evenings and early morning hours.
The suspect is described as a white male with dark brown hair, last seen wearing black pants, grey shirt and a black face mask. The vehicle is described as a blue sedan.
Anyone with information is asked to contact police at 416-808-2200 or Crime Stoppers anonymously at 416-222-TIPS (8477).
