Residential and commercial security in Quebec has become a major concern.
Burglary statistics in Quebec reveal a clear reality: burglars commit rapid residential and commercial break-ins and primarily target unprotected properties.
A careful analysis of burglary statistics in Quebec shows that the majority of break-ins could be prevented with visible and appropriate security measures.
Burglaries on the North Shore: New neighbourhoods are highly targeted
Burglary statistics on Quebec’s North Shore confirm a marked increase in break-ins in newer residential areas.
Why? Because thieves are familiar with the area. Developing neighborhoods, with their new streets and recently built homes, are often less equipped with advanced security systems.
We observe:
- An estimated annual increase of between 6% and 12%, depending on the municipality.
- Break-ins concentrated in newer residential areas.
- Recurring points of entry: patio doors, garages, basements, back windows.
On the North Shore, a house without a visible exterior camera is quickly identified as an easy target.
A motion detector combined with a glass break detector is among the essential security measures in this region.
Burglaries on the South Shore: the risk during working hours
On Montreal’s South Shore (Brossard, Longueuil, Saint-Hubert, Sainte-Julie, Beloeil, Chambly), the pattern is different, but just as concerning.
Burglary statistics on the South Shore show that nearly 60% of burglaries occur between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. Criminals know that residents are away, and that neighbors are rarely vigilant during the day.
Garages, sheds, and residential storage units are particularly targeted, as are neighborhoods located near highways, which offer a quick escape route.
A doorbell camera combined with a rear-view camera not only deters burglars but also documents any attempted break-ins.
Burglaries in Montreal: High Density, Slow Response Times
Greater Montreal, including Laval and several central boroughs, has the highest concentration of break-ins in Quebec.
The observed trends are clear:
- Patio doors are the primary point of entry.
- Ground-floor and semi-basement condos are more vulnerable.
- Police response times are often longer than in the suburbs.
This reality is well known to criminals, who rely on speed. A break-in in Montreal rarely lasts more than two minutes.
Residences equipped with visible security cameras record up to 72% fewer break-in attempts.
Commercial Burglaries in Quebec: Costly Losses
Businesses are not immune. Convenience stores, restaurants, offices, garages, and warehouses are regular targets, especially when they have valuable inventory or equipment.
The numbers speak for themselves:
- 1 in 3 businesses experiences an attempted break-in in its first year.
- Most thefts last less than 2 minutes.
- Approximately 70% of burglarized businesses did not have a modern security system.
Average losses per break-in often exceed $8,000, not counting the impact on operations.
Door/door sensors, combined with smart panels with photo capture, are now essential.
Vehicle Theft in Quebec: A Persistent Threat
Quebec remains one of the provinces most affected by vehicle theft, particularly in the Montreal, Laval, North Shore, and South Shore regions.
Thieves use quick and efficient techniques. A vehicle can be stolen in less than 45 seconds, often without any visible signs of forced entry.
Residential parking lots and garage entrances are the most at risk.
A well-positioned, high-resolution outdoor camera is the number one tool for identifying suspects and supporting an investigation.
Average duration of a burglary: less than 90 seconds
Unlike in movies, a real burglary is extremely brief.
Criminals:
- Force one or two entrances at most
- Search only the main rooms
- Will leave immediately if an alarm is triggered
A loud alarm or a real-time notification is often enough to scare off intruders.
24/7 surveillance significantly increases the chances of a quick response.
Why a professional alarm system makes all the difference
By 2025, a protected home or business sends a clear message: it’s not an easy target.
Effective systems include:
- visible outdoor cameras
- door/window sensors
- motion detectors
- glass break detectors
- smart panels with photos
- home automation (presence simulation)
Statistics show that a professional alarm system can reduce the risk of burglary by up to 85%.
FAQ — Burglaries and Security in Quebec
Yes. Police and insurance data confirm a gradual increase, especially in residential areas.
Absolutely. Up to three times more homes without an alarm system.
A combination of visible cameras, detectors and professional surveillance.
No. Much of it happens in broad daylight.
Yes. Commercial needs require suitable detectors and cameras.
Yes, in a measurable and significant way.
Protect your property before you become a statistic !
Burglary statistics in Quebec are clear: waiting until after a crime has occurred is always more expensive than preventing it.
Protect your home or business now.
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