Reminding residents to lock vehicles and remove valuables following increase in thefts from vehicles
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Tuesday, October 6, 2026 2:50 p.m.
(Ottawa) — The Ottawa Police Service (OPS) is reminding residents to take simple steps to protect themselves following a recent increase in thefts from vehicles, with most incidents occurring in the city's west and south districts.
While overall vehicle thefts in Ottawa have declined, thefts from vehicles have risen by 35%, with 1140 reported incidents between July 1st and Sep 30th this year, compared to 844 at the same time last year. Many of the incidents reported involve suspects checking door handles and entering vehicles that have been left unlocked.
Commonly stolen items include wallets, credit cards, cash, sunglasses, tools and other valuables left inside vehicles. Police have also seen incidents where garage door openers stolen from vehicles were later used to gain access to homes.
"These crimes are often preventable," said West District Inspector Ian Hayes. "Taking a few seconds to lock your vehicle and remove valuables can significantly reduce the risk of becoming a victim. We are asking residents to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity in their neighbourhoods."
The Ottawa Police Service encourages residents to:
- Always lock vehicle doors and close windows, even when parked in a driveway.
- Remove valuables from vehicles or keep them out of sight. Never leave wallets, credit cards, cash, sunglasses, electronics or tools inside a vehicle.
- Avoid leaving garage door openers inside parked vehicles.
- Keep the front lights of the home on at night.
- Report suspicious persons or activity in your neighbourhood and consider joining your local Neighbourhood Watch program (www.ottawanw.ca)
- Contact your local Community Police Centre to schedule your free home security inspection with the Safeguard Your Home program and/or obtain the All Valuables Removed reminder cards.
- Register for CAMSafe, a program designed to enhance crime prevention and assist in investigations by leveraging community security cameras of homeowners
Residents who observe suspicious activity should call the Ottawa Police Service at 613- 236-1222. If you witness a crime is in progress, call 9-1-1.
Anonymous tips can be provided to Crime Stoppers by calling 1-800-222-8477 or by submitting a tip online.
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Through the Community Safety Data portal data.ottawapolice.ca, members of the public can view, download, and interact with data released by the Ottawa Police Service.
Help make your community safer: register your information and security camera location at CAMSafe.ca to support investigations.
CONTACT:
Media Relations
Tel: 613-236-1222, ext. 5366
