York Regional Police share tips to prevent break-ins as the clocks go back

With clocks turning back on November 1, York Regional Police are rolling out “Project Fall Back,” a campaign to curb residential break-ins during the earlier evenings of fall and winter.

Organized criminal networks often exploit the time change, targeting homes between 5 p.m. and 10 p.m. while residents are occupied with commutes, errands, or activities.

"It's an interesting time frame for the thieves to be targeting the houses," says Constable Kevin Nebrija, York Regional Police media relations officer. "Whether they're scoping the house and they realize people might not be home from work yet, and that's a prime time to do it; or if they've been watching the house for a long enough time that they realize between 8:00 and 10:00, no one is home."

Despite a 25% year-to-date decrease in break-ins across the region—a significant improvement compared to last year's 11% decline—officials stress the importance of vigilance. Residents are encouraged not to overlook the ongoing risks.

The campaign focuses on two main objectives: reminding homeowners about six key steps to protect their property, and urging public reporting of suspicious activities. Observant citizens have played a critical role in supporting the Integrated Property Crime Task Force (IPCTF) in tackling these crimes.

Six Key Steps to Protect Your Home from Criminals

1. Use technology: Install security cameras and set lights on timers. Cameras deter theft and provide critical evidence. Lights on timers create the impression someone is home.

2. Maintain visibility: Trim trees and shrubs around entrances to prevent thieves from hiding or using them to access your home.

3. Secure doors and windows: Always lock doors, windows (including upper floors and basements), and garage doors. Use deadbolts and secure sliding doors to prevent easy access.

4. Protect valuables: Keep valuables out of sight and avoid storing them in bedrooms. Invest in a safe for irreplaceable items or use a safety deposit box.

5. Build community awareness: Get to know neighbours and work together to watch out for suspicious activity. Help each other by removing newspapers and maintaining driveways when someone is away.

6. Register cameras: Join the York Regional Police Security Camera Registry. It assists police in solving crimes without giving police direct access to your cameras.

By taking these proactive measures, residents can help deter break-ins and support crime prevention efforts in their communities.

"We want people to be nosy neighbors," adds Nebrija. "Because ultimately, you're looking out for one another. It's your street, it's your homes, and we want our community members to help keep each other safe."

Be sure to call police if you see:

• People wearing disguises

• Unknown people with equipment like bags and ladders

• People hanging around front doors or ringing doorbells for a long time

• People circling through neighbourhood on foot or in a vehicle

Who to call:

• Call non-emergency line at 1-866-876-5423

• Call 9-1-1 in an emergency or if you think someone is committing a crime

Thumbnail image courtesy: Getty Images/jgareri-182884065