Montreal police say a 29-year-old man is behind a string of overnight residential break-ins that targeted sleeping homeowners across four boroughs earlier this month.
Investigators allege Naby Bangoura was responsible for more than a dozen break-ins and attempted break-ins between July 3 and July 20 in Mercier—Hochelaga-Maisonneuve, Ahuntsic-Cartierville, Plateau-Mont-Royal and Rosemont—La Petite-Patrie. Police arrested him Sunday, and he appeared in court Tuesday on charges including break and enter, attempted break and enter, and theft.
According to police, the suspect entered homes through unlocked patio doors or by forcing open screen doors while residents slept. Officers allege he searched handbags inside the homes before making off with cash, bank cards, cellphones and jewelry.
Police say the investigation remains ongoing and have not ruled out additional charges.
A review of Quebec court records shows Bangoura has previously pleaded guilty to break-and-enter charges in four separate criminal cases stemming from offences committed between 2016 and 2020. He received a 12-month conditional sentence and was ordered to complete 100 hours of community service in 2024.
Court records also show he is awaiting trial on unrelated charges of break and enter and fraud under $5,000, to which he has pleaded not guilty.
Police are asking anyone who believes they may have been a victim, or who has information about the investigation, to contact 911 or Info-Crime Montréal anonymously at 514-393-1133.