Travelling crime groups linked to spike in Calgary home break-ins: police

Police are asking for the public’s help as they investigate more than 40 residential break-and-enters they believe are tied to travelling crime groups operating across several provinces.

Calgary police say 43 homes have been targeted since the start of 2026, with the majority of incidents occurring in the city’s northwest and south.

Affected communities include Aspen Woods, Douglasdale, Edgemont, Evergreen, Hamptons, Patterson, Scenic Acres and Woodbine.

Police say the suspects typically enter through backyards to avoid being seen from the street. Most of the incidents happening between 6 and 8 p.m., a narrow window when many residents are out briefly for errands or children’s activities.

The suspects are believed to conduct short periods of surveillance to identify homes that appear temporarily empty.

Once inside, usually two or three masked individuals wearing gloves focus on high‑value, easily portable items such as jewellery and cash. In at least one case, police say an entire safe was removed from a home.

Police are seeking information about three vehicles believed to be connected to the break‑and‑enter series:

• A black 2023–2025 Ford Escape ST‑Line with dark wheels and a light bar across the front
• A black 2013–2015 Toyota RAV4 with heavy tinting
• A black 2017–2019 Toyota Highlander with black wheels

Anyone who sees these vehicles lingering in neighbourhoods or behaving unusually during the early‑evening window is asked to contact police immediately.

Investigators are asking residents to remain alert and report suspicious behaviour, including unfamiliar vehicles repeatedly circling neighbourhoods, small groups checking backyards, or homes that appear to be targeted when residents are away for short periods.

Homeowners are also being urged to take preventative steps such as locking doors and windows, leaving lights on during early evening hours, using alarms or cameras, and securing valuables in bolted or concealed safes. Particularly valuable items, police note, may be safer stored off‑site.

Tips can be provided by calling 403‑266‑1234 or anonymously through Crime Stoppers.