Toronto police have released a description of a suspect and images of a suspect vehicle sought in connection with dozens of daytime break-ins in Scarborough in recent weeks.

According to police, 58 break-ins have occurred over the past six weeks in northwest Scarborough.

While details on the specific locations of the break-ins were not provided, police said that residences with concealed or obstructed front entrances were being targeted between Steeles and Finch avenues, from Pharmacy Avenue to Middlefield Road.

According to police, in a number of the break-ins, suspects have posed as door-to-door solicitors or canvassers. In some cases, residents were at home at the time of the break-ins.

Police held a press conference Wednesday afternoon to provide an update on the investigation. Authorities subsequently released a description of a suspect and security camera images of a suspect vehicle.

According to police, a white van was spotted at five of the break-ins. In one of those incidents, a homeowner witnessed a man entering the front door of the residence before fleeing on foot.

He is described as white, in his late teens or early 20s, five-foot-seven to five-foot-nine, with a thin build, and buzzed brown hair.

A security camera on the house captured images of a suspect vehicle.

No additional details on the vehicle were provided by police.

In a release issued Tuesday, police recommended several ways homeowners could better safeguard their homes, including:

  • if a stranger comes to your door, do not let him or her in and always ask for identification.
  • have monitored alarm and video surveillance systems installed.
  • keep list of serial numbers for home electronics.
  • don’t keep large amounts of jewelry or money at home, use a secured safe
  • make sure your front door is clearly visible to pedestrian traffic If shielded by overgrown shrubbery, cut, trim or remove any overgrown shrubbery or trees.
  • lighting can be a great security measure. Consider installing lights controlled by timer or motion detectors.
  • make certain that ladders, ropes or any other tool that would make it easier for someone to gain entry into your home are locked securely away
  • remove any garbage or recycling containers from the bottom of driveways

Anyone with information is asked to contact investigators at 416-808-4200 or Crime Stoppers at 416-222-TIPS (8477).