Windsor police investigating break-ins they say are inspired by social media

The Windsor Police Service says it's looking for five people responsible for three recent break-ins at local restaurants that they believe are connected to a social media trend.

The trend dares people to film themselves breaking into coffee shops and other eateries, police said in a news release issued Monday.

The first incident took place March 12 at around 5 a.m. when the suspects pried open the drive-thru window of a restaurant in the 3400 block of North Service Road. 

They climbed through the opening and appeared to record the break-in on a cell phone, police said.

Another incident took place at a restaurant in the 1400 block of Huron Church Road on Friday.

Suspects again forced open a drive-thru window, entered the restaurant, and filmed themselves dancing and berating employees, according to police. 

There were no reported injuries.

Then on Sunday at approximately 3:30 a.m., five suspects returned to the same restaurant on Huron Church Road and appeared to repeat the same actions while one person stayed outside to record the incident.

Officers have obtained surveillance footage of the suspects and are currently investigating, police said.

They are urging community members to avoid participating in the social media trend, which can result in criminal charges and serious consequences.

They are asking anyone with information about the incidents or similar ones to contact the Windsor Police Service Target Base Unit or provide tips anonymously to Windsor & Essex County Crime Stoppers.