Reaching our audience through social media
Social media helps us connect with our community to empower them with crime prevention and safety tips
In 2024, York Regional Police launched a number of social media campaigns, aimed at informing members of the public about various community safety initiatives in the region.
The campaigns were designed to shine a light on the hard work officers have undertaken to address a number of issues facing the region, and to provide members of the public with safety tips to empower themselves against crime.
Each of the strategic campaigns targeted specific followers across several of our social media accounts, including Instagram, Facebook, Tik Tok and X.
Below is a list of a few of the many social media campaigns launched by York Regional Police in 2024.
Break-and-enter content Helps Residents Secure Homes
In 2023, York Regional Police responded to 1,504 break and enters. In many of the cases, it could have been prevented.
The break and enter campaign sought to empower residents to take six proactive steps to protect themselves and their homes from criminals.
On social media, York Regional Police shared these six safety steps through a series of posts.
The campaign launched in the fall, when it becomes darker, earlier, and police begin to respond to a seasonal uptick in break-ins.
Road safety campaign leaves no excuses
York Regional Police identified a number of road safety issues across the region including impaired driving, car rallies, stunt driving and more.
In order to address these issues, and to teach the public about road safety, a dynamic, far-reaching social media campaign titled #NoExcuses was developed.
The #NoExcuses campaign aims to teach York Region residents about the consequences of unsafe driving behaviours, while providing education about best practices on the road.
The #NoExcuses road safety campaign officially launched in December, with a focus on teaching York Region residents about the dangers of impaired driving.
Marine safety campaign looks to keep citizens high and dry
In May 2024, York Regional Police launched a boating safety social media campaign, aimed at teaching boaters best practices while out on the water.
The campaign, which began ahead of the May long weekend, included information regarding impaired boating, safety tips and links to applications to keep everyone safe on the water.
YRP goes the extra metre to keep cyclists safe
The One Metre cyclist safety campaign launched in June during Bike Month, with a clear goal to inform drivers on the road to share the road and give those riding bikes at least one metre of space.
The campaign included video testimonials from cyclists who have encountered unsafe drivers while out on rides, a 40-kilometre ride to emphasize safety, customized cycling jerseys, bus advertisements and cycling safety tips posted to YRP social media accounts.
Intimate Partner Violence campaign exposes hidden issue
York Regional Police also launched a social media campaign in November during Domestic Violence Awareness Month, aimed at public education and awareness around intimate partner violence.
The campaign comes in the same year that the Government of Ontario advanced a bill that would see intimate partner violence declared an epidemic in the province.
In 2024, YRP responded to nearly 7,000 incidents of intimate partner violence.
The campaign has included multimedia content aimed at teaching our community members about the warning signs and dangers of this pervasive issue. It also shone a light on the many resources available to survivors of abuse.
This campaign is ongoing, and has been strategically rolled-out with posts around specific times of year and holidays when York Regional Police receives an influx of reports of intimate partner violence.
