Building Safer Neighbourhoods: Officers Promote Camsafe and 529 Garage

This summer, Ottawa Police officers have been setting their blue pop-up tent around the city to connect with residents at parks, markets, and community events to spread the word about two powerful crime prevention tools: Camsafe and 529 Garage.

Both programs are simple to use, free to join, and play a big role in helping officers solve crimes and return stolen property.

Camsafe is a voluntary registry where residents and business owners can share the location of their private security cameras to let police know that if a crime occurs in that area, they could have crucial evidence to an investigate on their device. No one has direct access to your footage—officers can only reach out if a crime happens and they think your camera might have captured useful evidence. In that case, they would contact you through the information you provided on Camsafe.ca, and request you check your CCTV or doorbell camera footage at the time of the crime. If you have something we need, we will then intruct you on how to share it with us!

“Camsafe is all about community partnership,” said Community Police Officer James Kennedy. “Your doorbell camera could help us identify a suspect for a crime like a stolen vehicle or bike or provide us a description or information that can help solve the crime."

Meanwhile, 529 Garage is the Ottawa Police Service’s recommended tool for bicycle registration. With hundreds of bikes stolen across the city each year, it’s a critical resource. Once registered, each bike gets a unique sticker and can be flagged as stolen in the system if it's ever taken—making it easier to reunite bikes with their rightful owners.

The OPS is also giving away cool swag for your bike, like bike lights, bells and stickers. 

Come say hi when you see us around town and register to CAMSafe and 529 Garage to help us prevent crime, solve crime and make our communities safer.