Retail Partner Collaboration Addresses Shoplifting in Downtown Rideau

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Thursday, August 20, 2026 10:15 a.m.

(Ottawa) – Between July 12 and August 18, 2026, officers with the Ottawa Police Service (OPS) Central District Neighbourhood Resource Team (NRT) conducted a series of targeted operations in response to retail theft concerns at a Rideau Street business.

Working with the business’s loss prevention personnel, NRT officers conducted targeted operations at various times throughout the project, increasing visibility and providing operational support to deter theft-related activity and enhance public safety in the area.

As a result of the initiative:

·         17 individuals were arrested

·         17 criminal charges were laid

·         1 warrant was executed

·         7 Provincial Offence Notices were issued

This initiative reflects the Ottawa Police Service’s commitment to proactive problem-solving, crime prevention, and community safety through strong partnerships with local businesses and stakeholders.

Officers will continue to engage with retailers and community partners to address issues affecting residents, visitors, and businesses in the downtown core.

Businesses are encouraged to continue reporting theft-related incidents and suspicious activity to police.

– 30 –

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:   
Ottawa Police Service Media Relations  
Tel: 613-236-1222, ext.  5366