York police launch Project Fallback to combat break-ins
York Regional Police are stepping up efforts to prevent residential break-and-enters with a new crime-prevention initiative targeting the fall and winter months, when earlier nightfall creates increased opportunities for thieves.
Project Fallback, which runs until March 1, combines public education, community engagement, targeted patrols and enforcement to reduce property crime across York Region.
Police say break-and-enters most frequently occur between 5 and 10 p.m., with November and December traditionally recording the highest number of incidents. Despite the seasonal increase, overall break-ins have been declining. York Regional Police reported 786 incidents so far in 2026, compared with 1,511 in 2023.
Chief Paulo Da Silva said the campaign is designed to continue that downward trend by educating residents, strengthening neighbourhood awareness and using intelligence to target areas vulnerable to crime.
“Through a two-pronged approach focused on education and prevention, we are empowering our residents with practical tools and information to help them protect their homes and neighbourhoods,” Da Silva said.
Police are encouraging homeowners to lock doors, windows and vehicles, install outdoor lighting and security cameras, avoid publicly sharing vacation plans and keep driveways and vehicles clear of snow.
Superintendent Blair Steer said officers will focus on neighbourhoods identified through crime data as vulnerable to break-ins. Properties backing onto green spaces, golf courses and ravines can be attractive targets because they offer less visible access and escape routes. Major highways, including the 400, 407 and 404, are also areas of interest because of their proximity to targeted communities.
As part of the initiative, officers will increase patrols and visit residential neighbourhoods, community centres, places of worship and shopping plazas to distribute crime-prevention information and speak with residents.
Police are also warning homeowners to watch for people repeatedly driving through neighbourhoods, wearing reflective vests or hard hats, carrying ladders or bags, or repeatedly ringing doorbells to determine whether anyone is home.
Steer encouraged residents to report suspicious behaviour, even if they are uncertain whether a crime is taking place.
“If you see this type of activity, we want you to be that nosey neighbour,” he said. “Too often, we hear people tell us they’re unsure whether something was serious enough to report. Call us and we will respond.”
Residents should call 911 if they witness a crime in progress or an emergency. Other suspicious activity or information can be reported through the police non-emergency line.
A new online evidence portal is also being introduced as part of Project Fallback, allowing residents to upload potential evidence captured by doorbell cameras, home surveillance systems, dashcams and mobile phones.
Steer said the portal will allow residents to submit photographs and videos of suspicious people or vehicles. Police officers will monitor submissions daily and use the information to support investigations.
Enforcement will be another key component of the initiative. Residents can expect increased directed patrols in targeted neighbourhoods, including marked police cruisers travelling through residential streets with their emergency lights illuminated but not flashing.
Over the coming months, officers and analysts with the task force will also conduct specialized investigations, using intelligence from York Regional Police and other law enforcement agencies to identify and disrupt organized criminal networks.
Steer said some organized groups travel to Canada during the fall and winter specifically to commit break-and-enters before leaving the country. These groups often target homes when residents are commuting, running errands, attending events or away on vacation.
Police are counting on community involvement to help identify suspicious activity, prevent break-ins and hold those responsible accountable.
Residents can also access up-to-date crime statistics through the York Regional Police Community Safety Data Portal or sign up for the Security Camera Registry to support community safety efforts. For more information about protecting your home, visit yrp.ca/BandE.
Photo: “Through a two-pronged approach focused on education and prevention, we are empowering our residents with practical tools and information to help them protect their homes and neighbourhoods,” YRP Chief Paulo Da Silva said. (YRP image)