Local Man Arrested After Terrifying Early Morning Break-In at Milton Residence

Halton Regional Police have successfully apprehended a 36-year-old local man following a terrifying early morning break-and-enter that saw a Milton resident confront an intruder inside her own home.

The Early Morning Confrontation

The alarming incident occurred on Tuesday morning at a residence situated near the intersection of Main Street East and Thompson Road North. According to investigators, police were dispatched to the home shortly after 6:00 a.m. following a frantic 911 call reporting an intruder.

Police say the male suspect was able to effortlessly enter the residence through an unlocked door. The situation quickly escalated when a woman residing in the home woke up to discover the male standing inside the house. In a brave but dangerous move, the woman verbally confronted the intruder, causing him to panic and immediately flee the area.

Detectives have confirmed that the suspect fled before he could steal any property, and thankfully, the woman did not sustain any physical injuries during the frightening encounter.

Suspect Identified and Charged

Following a prompt investigation, Halton police were able to identify the suspect. On Thursday, authorities officially arrested 36-year-old Keegan Banfo, a resident of Milton.

Banfo has been formally charged with one count of breaking and entering, as well as three counts of failing to comply with a probation order. He was held in police custody pending a bail hearing in Milton.

Investigators have publicly released a photograph of Banfo, expressing concern that he may have been involved in additional, previously unreported break-ins within the community. Police are urging anyone who believes they may have been victimized by Banfo, or anyone with further information about this incident, to contact them directly at 905-825-4777, extension 2416. Anonymous tips can also be submitted to Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.

The Importance of Locking Up

This incident serves as a stark reminder that an unlocked door is an open invitation to criminals. Protect your home and family with these basic security habits:

• Lock Doors Night and Day: Get into the habit of locking your exterior doors immediately after entering or exiting your home, regardless of the time of day or whether you are home or away.
• Secure Attached Garages: The door connecting an attached garage to the main house is a common entry point for burglars. Ensure this door is heavy-duty and always kept locked.
• Consider Smart Locks: Smart locks can be programmed to automatically lock themselves after a set period, providing peace of mind if you occasionally forget to turn the deadbolt.
• Avoid Confrontation: While the victim in this case was unharmed, confronting an intruder is highly dangerous. If you discover a break-in while home, prioritize your safety: quietly secure yourself in a room, lock the door, and silently dial 911.