York Regional Police launches Project Fallback to combat winter home break-ins

York Regional Police has launched Project Fallback, running until March 1, targeting residential break-ins in Vaughan, Richmond Hill and Markham.

York Regional Police targets seasonal surge in residential break-ins with Project Fallback

York Regional Police has launched Project Fallback, a prevention initiative running from Friday until March 1, aimed at reducing residential break-ins across Vaughan, Richmond Hill and Markham as daylight hours shorten, Toronto Sun Crime reports.

Police say break-and-enters most commonly occur between 5 p.m. and 10 p.m., with November and December consistently recording the highest number of incidents in the region compared to other months.

"Project Fallback is designed to disrupt that pattern through a two-pronged approach, focusing on education and prevention," said York Regional Police Chief Paulo Da Silva at a press conference Friday morning at YRP headquarters.

Da Silva said the service will empower residents through the region's 150 neighbourhood watch groups and a newly created online portal where people can submit video evidence gathered from home surveillance cameras, dashcams and mobile phones.

"Our message is simple," Da Silva said. "If someone appears to be doing something suspicious, call us. We are ready to respond."

Targeted patrols, cameras and drones deployed

Specifically selected neighbourhoods will see an increased police presence, with officers carrying out proactive patrols. The service has also expanded its use of CCTV cameras, automated licence plate readers and drones.

Da Silva pointed to a steady decline in break-and-enter incidents as evidence the approach is working. York Region recorded 1,511 break-and-enters in 2023, 1,480 in 2024, 1,469 in 2025, and 786 so far in 2026 — a drop of 25% compared to the same period the previous year.

"But now is not the time to let our guard down," Da Silva said. "Criminals will know when they're planning on coming into our region to target our homes, they are making a big mistake."

Organized groups travelling to Canada to commit crimes

York Regional Police Supt. Blair Steer described a pattern in which organized groups travel to Canada specifically during the fall and winter months to commit residential burglaries before leaving the country.

"When the days get darker, we see the criminals take advantage of that and break into homes and steal valuable items like jewellery, electronics, purses and designer clothes," Steer said at the same press conference.

"What's even more concerning is that this shatters the sense of safety and security our residents feel and should expect to enjoy in their homes."

Steer said police have identified specific property types that criminals prefer: homes backing onto green spaces, golf courses and ravines, which allow entry and exit through rear yards without detection. Properties along major highway corridors — including the 400, 407 and 404 — are also frequently targeted because they offer faster escape routes.

"And that's exactly where you're going to find our officers," Steer said. "We want the community to know that we're on your street and in your neighbourhood. And we also want the criminals to know that too."

Tactics used by break-and-enter suspects

Steer outlined several methods used by suspects to avoid detection. Some drive through neighbourhoods multiple times before selecting a target. Others wear masks, reflective vests or hardhats, or carry bags and ladders to appear as legitimate workers.

A common tactic involves ringing doorbells repeatedly to confirm whether a property is vacant. Criminals typically target homes when residents are commuting, running errands, attending family events or travelling on vacation.

Officers will knock on doors and visit community centres, places of worship, shopping malls and plazas to distribute crime prevention materials throughout the duration of the project.

"So please, if you see any of this activity, we want you to be that noisy neighbour," Steer said.

Source: Toronto Sun Crime