Rash of Thefts in Vehicles in Ottawa -- learn how to reduce the risk

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Wednesday, June 13, 2018   2:30pm

(Ottawa)—The Ottawa Police Service would like to advise the public on a rash of theft from vehicles where suspects are either opening unlocked car doors or breaking windows. Since January 1, 2018, there have been 1662 reported thefts from vehicles throughout the city.  Over half of those reported incidents occurred within downtown Ottawa.

“Residents are reminded to remove anything of value from their vehicle,” said Cst Dawn Neilly, Hintonburg Community Police Officer.

“Thieves are literally going door to door looking for an unlocked vehicle, and once they gain entry, they go through the entire car, including the trunk,” said Cst. Stephanie Lemieux, Centretown Community Police Officer.  “It isn’t enough to hide items in the console or under the car seats because the thieves are just that thorough.”

In the event you notice someone acting suspicious around parked vehicles or if you see someone trying car doors – please call police and report it. Make the right call. “Even if your car is broken into and nothing is taken, it still needs to be reported to police,” added Cst Dawn Neilly.

Find out more on how to reduce the risk of being the victim of a theft from vehicle with our Safety and Crime Prevention Programs on our website at www.ottawapolice.ca, or contact your local community police officer for more information. From the website you can download an Ottawa Police Service AVR (All Valuables Removed) card to be put into your vehicle. The cards are displayed by vehicle owners on the inside of the driver's side window to display the message, "All Valuables Removed" - letting would-be-thieves know not to bother searching the vehicle and alerting others to take the same precautions.

Anyone with information regarding a theft from a vehicle or any other crime is asked to call the Ottawa Police Service at 613-236-1222.

Anonymous tips can be submitted by calling Crime Stoppers, toll-free at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS) or by downloading the Ottawa Police app.  

-30-

CONTACT: 

Media Relations Section

Tel: 613-236-1222, ext. 5366