The Challenge

Amid growing public attention on home security, the City of La Cañada Flintridge (LCF) sought to address resident concerns regarding home invasions and burglaries. The City Council wanted to reassure the community of LCF’s strong commitment to public safety, while equipping residents with proven crime prevention strategies. To achieve this, the City partnered with Tripepi Smith to develop an animated PSA video that would educate, engage and build trust.

Our Approach

Tripepi Smith recognized that traditional public safety messaging, while informative, often misses opportunities for resident engagement, leaving them uninformed and at risk. To break through the noise, the project team created a short animated video that flipped the script, telling the story from the perspective of two would-be burglars casing a neighborhood.

This approach allowed viewers to understand how a criminal thinks while learning practical, tangible deterrents to protect their property. Tripepi Smith drafted a script that struck a balance between humor and sincerity, helping the message feel relatable without undermining the topic’s gravity.

The animation walks viewers through a series of preventative tactics, such as motion-sensor lighting, visible security cameras and observant neighbors, that ultimately foil the burglars’ plans.

To maximize visibility, Tripepi Smith deployed a multichannel distribution strategy, including:

  • Boosted an advertisement on Meta platforms, including Facebook and Instagram
  • Promotion in the City’s monthly e-newsletter, LCF Bulletin
  • A feature in City’s quarterly printed newsletter, LCF Vista
Results

The video delivered strong results, all while staying under a $150 distribution budget:

  • 19,000+ views on Facebook
  • 12,000+ people reached via targeted ads on Facebook
  • 97 views on YouTube

The campaign proved that creative storytelling and thoughtful distribution can transform a routine public safety message into an engaging and empowering call to action. By stepping into the shoes of would-be criminals, residents gained practical tools to better secure their homes and neighborhoods. The video not only reinforced the City’s ongoing commitment to public safety, but also helped residents feel more informed, prepared and protected.