Police are warning condominium residents and property managers about a concerning trend involving suspects allegedly marking unit doors to determine whether a residence may be unoccupied before attempting a break-in. Recent incidents have prompted investigators to encourage increased awareness and prompt reporting of suspicious activity.

While the method itself is new to many residents, the takeaway is familiar: criminals often look for opportunities where they believe they can avoid being seen or interrupted.

What Property Managers Should Know

Security is most effective when unusual activity is identified early. Regular patrols, attentive residents, and clear reporting procedures can help identify suspicious behaviour before it escalates.

Property managers should encourage residents to report:

• Unusual residue or markings on unit doors
• Unknown individuals lingering in hallways
• People attempting to access secured entrances without authorization
• Suspicious activity around common areas

Police also recommend notifying both building management and law enforcement if any of these warning signs are observed.

Why Visible Security Matters

Technology plays an important role in building security, but cameras alone cannot question suspicious individuals or investigate unusual activity as it happens.

Routine security patrols provide another layer of protection by identifying unsecured doors, unauthorized access, and other concerns before they become larger problems.

Insight

In our experience, many security incidents begin with small warning signs that are easy to overlook. ie tailgating. A proactive security program combined with alert residents and regular patrols helps identify potential issues early and creates a safer environment for everyone.

Conclusion

This concerning. As security threats continue to evolve, making awareness and prevention more important than ever. Property managers, condominium boards, and residents all play a role in protecting their communities by reporting suspicious activity and maintaining secure buildings.

Disclaimer

This article is intended for general educational purposes only and summarizes publicly reported information. It should not be considered legal, law enforcement, or property management advice.

Sources & Further Reading

• CTV News Toronto – Suspects glued doors in apartment buildings to find unoccupied units for break-ins
• York Regional Police – Renewed Public Warning of Suspects Scouting Condos for Break and Enters
• CityNews Toronto – Suspects using glue to scout condo units, York police say

---