Police are warning members of the public to stay aware of their surroundings following a series of break-and-enters, thefts and sexual assaults that occurred early Tuesday across a large part of the city’s southwest end.
Investigators from 22 Division report that a man broke into six different homes in an area bordered by Bloor Street West, Islington Avenue, The Queensway and the Humber River between the hours of 12 a.m. and 5 a.m. Tuesday.
Insp. Gerry Cashman told reporters on Tuesday afternoon that sexual assaults occurred in some incidents, but no one was hospitalized.
Police are now looking for a suspect described as male, with a slim build and around 6’ tall.
Cashman said the suspect is considered a “very, very serious offender” who they want off the streets.
“I would encourage him to contact a lawyer and turn himself in,” Cashman said.
Cashman would not confirm if Tuesday morning’s crime spree was related in any way to recent sexual assaults of seniors that occurred in the same neighbourhood earlier in September.
He also said there was no commonality between the victims in Tuesday’s attacks, as they range in age from young to old. One of the incidents involved a 91-year-old woman.
Officers are encouraging residents in the area to report any suspicious activity and keep aware of their homes and the homes of their neighbours. Homeowners should secure all doors and windows before going to sleep, they said.
They are also asking any homeowners in the area with security cameras to review their footage and contact investigators if they see anything they believe would help with the investigation.
Anyone with information is asked to contact police at 416-808-2200 or 416-808-7474, Crime Stoppers anonymously at 416-222-TIPS (8477), online at www.222tips.com, text TOR and your message to CRIMES (274637), or Leave A Tip on Facebook. Download the free Crime Stoppers Mobile App on iTunes, Google Play or Blackberry App World.
