Frightening Windsor home invasion highlights need for vigilance

The official Windsor police news release described two men wearing masks and carrying a firearm forcing their way into a home, assaulting two elderly occupants and stealing “a large quantity” of jewellery. 

But a source outside the police force, who has insider knowledge of the armed robbery at a private residence, told the Windsor Star the details are much more frightening. 

And the recent home invasion on the east side of Windsor provides a cautionary tale for anyone when it comes to strangers knocking on the door. 

The Star has learned that four men allegedly plotted to rob the couple after one of the group, an installer for a phone and internet service provider, tipped the others off about a collection of expensive watches he saw while on a service call at the residence. 

He allegedly sent pictures and a map of the home to his friends. 

It is alleged that the suspects, who pretended to be police officers, forced their way into the home when the owners opened the door. 

One suspect is alleged to have put a gun in the mouth of one of the homeowners as the other resident was knocked to the floor. 

According to the source, during the scuffle, one of the suspects dropped a cellphone and inadvertently left it behind. Police retrieved the phone and reportedly found texts on it sent by the internet installer. 

The residents, a man and woman in their 70s, sustained minor physical injuries. 

Their ordeal highlights the need for homeowners to protect themselves. 

The Star reached out to the Windsor Police Service but the department declined to comment on details of the case. Spokeswoman Const. Bianca Jackson, however, provided information on home invasions, how they occur, how to reduce the danger and how to respond.

The Windsor Police Service does not keep separate statistics on home invasions, only on break-and-enters or robberies. 

A home invasion is a forced entry and robbery. A robbery is theft with force — whether it’s a threat of force or use of a weapon, Jackson explained. 

“Home invasion is like a break-and-enter with a robbery,” Jackson said. “Usually when officers do the reports, they’ll put home invasion into the report (if someone was home at the time of the incident).” 

So far this year, police have recorded seven robberies at residences, or home invasions. 

“We had 39 last year — technically, home invasions,” Jackson said. 

There’s no single reason why home invasions occur. 

Police say there are cases — including Windsor’s most recent east-side home invasion — where the people involved, although targeted, were strangers. In other cases, the perpetrators and victims know one another. 

“A lot of these cases the people are known to each other,” Jackson said. “Whether there’s a drug debt that needs to be paid (or) somebody owes somebody money.” 

In many of the cases where the victims of a home invasion are strangers to the perpetrators, Jackson said the crime is committed because “they have reason to believe that there’s something in there that they want.” 

A home invasion not only carries a threat of physical violence, it almost always leads to mental or emotional injury. 

“If somebody is a victim of a home invasion, you don’t have to be physically injured to be hurt,” Jackson said. 

“There’s an element of somebody coming into your home unexpectedly and you are then traumatized, whether it is physically or mentally. That’s going to stay with you.” 

As for physical violence, Jackson said each incident is different. 

“I think it goes back to the reason why it happened in the first place,” she said.

“What is the suspect’s intent? Is their intent to scare the people there? Is their intent to steal from them?” 

Hide valuables, limit access 

Most people will need to let strangers into their homes at some point, but police suggest using caution. 

“We all have to get things maintained in our homes, whether our internet goes out or our television’s not working, a washing machine,” Jackson said. 

“Always keep an eye on people. You’re letting a stranger in your home. You’re trusting that they are there for the reason to fix your item or to install something. 

“So, you want to limit what access they have to your home. You want to make sure that you are with them,” she said. “If they don’t need to be in a particular room, don’t take them there. 

“If you have the ability to be there, to watch and make sure that they are not wandering around your house, do that.”

And make sure anything valuable or expensive is out of sight. 

Preventing a home invasion 

Locks are key to thwarting a break-in but they have to be engaged to provide protection. 

Jackson said doors, windows, garages, vehicles should all be locked. 

“Unfortunately, we don’t live in a society where we can just leave our doors unlocked anymore,” she said. “I know I always double-, triple-check, make sure that my doors, windows are locked. 

“If you have the ability to afford an alarm system, those are always great, as well.” 

In addition, surveillance cameras and video doorbells are deterrents to crime. Even “dummy” cameras that are not operational or signs that say there is an alarm system installed can help deter criminals. 

Jackson also recommends good lighting outside the home. As well, keeping a property maintained, trimming shrubs and ensuring no landscaping obscures windows or doors, acts as a deterrent. 

“Criminals don’t want to go for a … well-lit place, a place that they know anybody driving by or walking by can see them committing a crime.” 

Nosy neighbours can be a blessing, too — especially those who will call police if they see something suspicious. Keeping an eye out is important. 

“Always take a look outside, see who’s out there before you open the door,” Jackson said. 

Criminals look for vulnerabilities. 

“There are times that people do their homework to see who lives at the house,” she said. “If you are a senior, they might take advantage of that.” 

Her advice is to not open the door to any unexpected visitors — keep the door locked. 

If someone claims to be from a company, call the company to check. If there is no answer at the company, call the non-emergency line for police, who will help. The Windsor Police Service non-emergency line is 519-255-6700. 

“The moment you answer that door you’ve now opened up yourself to being a victim,” said Jackson. “If it becomes an emergency where they’re being aggressive, you call 911.

“Absolutely call 911.” 

Worst-case scenario 

If a home invasion happens, occupants should consider several things. 

“I think as humans, it’s instilled in us to defend our property, to defend what we have,” Jackson said. “But at the end of the day, property is property.

“Yes, we don’t want to lose it but it’s not worth losing your life. 

“I definitely suggest that if they came for something specific, give them what they want. Once they are gone (call) 911.” 

If there’s an opportunity to dial 911 while the crime is being committed, dial the phone, even if you can’t speak to the dispatcher. 

Jackson said dispatchers will send officers by tracing a landline or cellphone to an address. 

If assailants seem intent on causing physical harm, try to get out of the residence. Run to a neighbour’s house or other place of safety.