Breaking News

Increase in personal robberies linked to online marketplaces in-person exchanges

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Tuesday, December 19, 2023 12:55 pm 

(Ottawa)—The Ottawa Police Service (OPS) Robbery Unit is seeing a significant increase in personal electronic robberies stemming from online marketplace transactions, like Facebook Marketplace and Kijiji, with in-person exchanges.  

While this time of year typically sees an increase in personal robberies, our Robbery Unit has seen approximately 30% more peer-to-peer robberies since October, including cellphone robberies.

When setting up...

Man charged with hate-motivated offences

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Monday, December 18, 2023    9:25 am

(Ottawa) – The Ottawa Police Service Hate & Bias Crime Unit has charged a man following an investigation into anti-Semitic, misogynistic and intimidating phone call targeting a person working in the healthcare field.

A 39-year-old man from British Columbia was charged with Indecent Telecommunications, Harassment by threatening Conduct and Intimidation-Health Services.

He is scheduled to appear in court in January.

We continue to encourage...

Stay Safe This Holiday Season with our Crime Prevention and Safety Tips

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Friday, December 15th 2023     9:30 am

Stay Safe This Holiday Season with our Crime Prevention and Safety Tips

(Ottawa)—With the holidays coming up, the Ottawa Police Service is advising residents to be vigilant, safe and most importantly, exercise caution during this festive time of the year.

Drivers

The Ottawa Police launched its RIDE (Reduce Impaired Driving Everywhere) program in order to reduce the number of impaired drivers on the road as well as to encourage others to...

Suspect to identify in Carp Road commercial robbery

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Thursday, December 14th 2023  2:00 pm

(Ottawa) – The Ottawa Police Service is seeking public assistance to identify a suspect responsible for a commercial robbery in the 2000 block of Carp Road in Stittsville on November 5th.

At approximately 6:00pm, the suspect entered a store, threatened the clerk and stole a quantity of cigarettes. 

The suspect is described as a white male, in his 20s, 5’10” (178 cm), with a slim build and a beard. He wore a dark hooded sweatshirt (see...

Ottawa Police introduces its Adult Pre-Charge Diversion Unit

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Wednesday, December 13, 2023   1:45 pm

(Ottawa)—In November, the Ottawa Police Service (OPS) formalized the creation of a centralized Adult Pre-Charge Diversion (APCD) Unit following a one-year pilot project.

The Adult Pre-Charge Diversion (APCD) Unit seeks to redirect individuals charged with minor offences away from the criminal justice system towards programs and support services. The goal of the APCD program is to provide opportunities for individuals to address the...