York police have released the results of an initiative dubbed “Operation StrikePlate”, aimed at deterring suspects from residential break and enters in the south end of York Region.
The initiative was launched on March 4 and ran for eight weeks, resulting in 24 arrests and 53 charges laid. In addition to that, 47 bail compliance checks were conducted on individuals who had committed or were presently on charges for break-and-enter offences.
More than 3,000 door stoppers, or strike plates, were distributed to be secured to the front door of homes for added protection against forced entries.
The stoppers were distributed at town hall meetings hosted by the Crime Prevention Unit, as well as given to residents living in areas that saw an increase in break and enters.
During the project period, there was a 20 per cent reduction in break and enters in the south end of York Region in comparison to 2023 and the beginning of 2024.