Alarm systems may give false sense of security

Frederick Trepanier, the man police believe is responsible for over 100 home break-ins in the western region of Montreal, has been charged with breaking and entering and causing mischief.

Trepanier, 28, was arrested on Aug. 9 in Ile Bizard after allegedly breaking into a home on Cayou Street in Pierrefonds. The suspect had cut the phone and alarm system lines before entering the house, but did not know a 12-year-old boy was home alone inside. The suspect fled, and the boy went to a nearby day camp to call police, as the phones in the home were not working.

Trepanier has been charged with two break-ins so far. According to Montreal police spokesperson Michele St. Onge, police are currently investigating over 100 other cases dating back to 2005 that Trepanier may also have been involved with. Many of the break-ins occurred in Kirkland, Dollard des Ormeaux, Beaconsfield, and Pierrefonds.

According to St. Onge, the suspect knew what he was doing: in almost every case he would cut the alarm system and phone lines before breaking into the homes where he would then steal jewelry and money before fleeing.

“It’s important to verify the type of system you have,” St. Onge said, explaining that some alarm systems may give homeowners a false sense of security. “It’s good to have an alarm system. But it’s also important to be sure your house is secure.”

Good locks and solid door frames, for example, are crucial to keeping intruders out of your home. In many of the break-ins police are currently investigating, the suspect simply pushed in the door to gain access to the home, St. Onge pointed out.

Homeowners can also call their neighbourhood police station and request that an officer come over to verify how secure their home is.

“They can pass by to verify your home and give you a few tips,” St. Onge said.

Anyone with any information that may concern this case can call Info-Crime at 514-393-1133.