Patrol officers foil auto thefts in the Stittsville area

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Tuesday, April 5, 2022  2:10 pm 

(Ottawa) — In the past week, Frontline patrol officers in West Division have twice foiled thieves attempting to steal luxury vehicles from residences in Stittsville.

On March 30^th 2022 at approximately 2 am, a witness called police because they thought someone was trying to steal their neighbour’s Lexus SUV from their driveway.  Officers responded and located the vehicle on Highway 417.  The vehicle was safely stopped and the driver arrested.

On April 4^th 2022 at approximately 4 am, a witness called police because they saw someone inside their Jeep Cherokee.  The suspect was interrupted and fled the scene on foot and got into a waiting escape vehicle.  Police located the escape vehicle on Terry Fox Drive where it was safely stopped and the five occupants arrested.

All 6 arrested persons are from the Montreal area and have been charged with a variety of offences.  It is suspected that they are working with organized auto theft rings that steal vehicles and then ship them overseas.

The investigation continues.

The Ottawa Police would like to remind residents to take precautions in order to protect their vehicle. Vehicle thefts happen fast, oftentimes overnight, leaving the owner unaware until hours later.

Anyone with information about this incident is asked to contact the Ottawa Police West Criminal Investigations Unit at 613-236-1222 ext. 2666.

Anonymous tips can be submitted by calling Crime Stoppers toll-free at 1-800-222-8477 or at crimestoppers.ca.

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CONTACT:

Media Relations Section                  

Tel: 613-236-1222, ext. 5366