Break and Enter Prevention
York Regional Police encourages residents to take proactive steps to help keep their home safe.
Send photos and videos to police
Break and Enter Prevention Portal
If you see suspicious behaviour in your neighbourhood and capture it on camera, upload it to the portal.
Report "suspicious" activity
What is “suspicious”? 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
Take these steps to protect your home from criminals
Break and enters are often crimes of opportunity. The more difficult you make it for thieves to break into your home, the more likely it is that they will move along.
SECURE
- Lock doors and vehicles
- Activate alarms and check sensors
- Secure windows that are easy to reach
DETER
- Use lights and cameras
- Install motion-detecting lights
PROTECT
- Remove valuables, spare keys and garage openers from vehicles
- Don't leave mail and packages outside
- Don't share the dates you will be away from home with people you don't trust
MAINTAIN
- Clear snow from vehicles and driveway (neighbours can help each other)
- Trim shrubs/trees around doors, windows and gates
- Report suspicious activity to police
Break and enter prevention tips
Take the six steps to protect your home from thieves - and then consider these tips.
Secure doors
Start with your main entry points:
- Install a solid deadbolt lock and high-quality hardware
- Use wide-angle peepholes — consider a lower peephole for children
- Make sure door hinges are on the inside or use non-removable hinge pins
- Replace short screws in strike plates with longer 2½ to 3½ inch screws to resist forced entry
Secure windows and patio doors
Windows and sliding doors are common weak spots:
- Add blocking devices or screws to prevent sliding doors and windows from being lifted out of tracks
- Place a snug security bar or wood dowel in sliding door tracks
- Install pins in sliding windows to prevent forced opening
- Reinforce vulnerable glass with polycarbonate panels where appropriate
Protect your home while you're away
Before you travel:
- Put lights on timers
- Ask a trusted neighbour to watch your home
- Pause mail and newspaper delivery
- Avoid posting vacation updates or photos in real time
- Arrange lawn care or snow removal if needed
- Ask someone to park in your driveway
- Do a final check of valuables and insurance coverage
When you return:
- Check around your home before entering
- Keep blinds in their usual position for routine appearance
Protect your vehicle
- Never leave your vehicle running unattended
- Always lock doors and keep keys secure
- Park in a garage when possible
- Keep valuables out of sight or in the trunk
Secure your apartment or condo
If you live in a multi-unit building, stay alert:
- Don’t let strangers follow you into the building
- Never prop open secure doors
- Use only your first initial on public directories
- Get to know your neighbours
- Report suspicious activity right away
Landlords can help by:
- Posting clear safety reminders near entrances
- Maintaining lighting and secure access points
- Encouraging community safety programs
Underground parking safety
- Check for suspicious activity before entering
- Don’t leave valuables in your vehicle
- Lock your doors immediately after entering
- Inspect your vehicle before getting in
Elevator safety
- If you feel uncomfortable, wait for the next elevator
- Stand near the control panel and be aware of other passengers
- Exit immediately if someone makes you uneasy
- Press multiple floor buttons if you feel threatened
Laundry rooms and shared space safety
- Go during busy times or bring someone with you
- Tell someone where you’re going if you go alone
- Look inside before entering
- Report suspicious behaviour
Related topics
Stay Safe
Register Your Security Cameras
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