Property
Whether taken as evidence at a crime scene or found abandoned on a street corner, the Evidence Control Unit catalogues and tracks every piece of property that comes into the custody of Ottawa Police Officers.
The Unit strives to preserve and protect property by providing professional, proficient, and systematic storage and handling of each and every piece of evidence or property in its care.
Claim lost, found or stolen property
If you are reporting a missing, lost or stolen item, please first file a report using our online system. If you require assistance, you can call us at 613-236-1222, extension 7300.
If you require information concerning a motor vehicle that has been towed/impounded by the Ottawa Police Service, the Impounded Vehicle Section by email: [email protected] or call 613-236-1222 ext. 2350.
To check about a missing bicycle or other stolen or lost articles, please email [email protected] or call 613-236-1222 ext. 5238.
To report something you've found, call our Police Reporting Unit at 613-236-1222, extension 7300.
Auctions/Unclaimed Property
- Items without a known owner are stored for 90 days.
- Found bicycles are kept for only 30 days.
If the property is not picked-up during the hold period, it may be sold or disposed of, depending on its condition.
The Ottawa Police Service utilizes the services of Rideau Auctions as well as GC Surplus, which is the federal government organization responsible for the sale, distribution, disposal and re-use of surplus federal goods.
How to collect your property
Please contact us in advance to coordinate the release of property found, abandoned or taken as evidence.
The Evidence Control Unit at 2799 Swansea Crescent is CLOSED for all walk-in services.
Appointments can be scheduled on an as-needed basis between 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., Monday-Friday.
Property is released only to the legal owner by appointment only. In addition to proof of ownership, the person collecting the property must bring one piece of appropriate identification that includes their name and date of birth.
To schedule an appointment to claim your property, please contact us at 613-236-1222 xt 5238, or by email at [email protected]. Please ensure to have your Ottawa Police file number prior to scheduling your appointment.
If the item(s) is being held as evidence in a criminal case, it may not be available for release.
To help us with your enquiry, please have the following information available (if applicable or known):
- make;
- model;
- colour;
- serial number; and
- the date the bike or article was lost or stolen.
The personal property of prisoners received by the Ottawa Police is held 90 days from the date of receipt of the property. It is the responsibility of the owner to make arrangements with the Evidence Control Unit for the property's release within this 90-day period. Failure to do so will result in the disposal of the property by the Police Service.
Mailing Address:
Ottawa Police Service, ATTN: Evidence Control Unit, P.O. Box 9634, Station T Ottawa, Ontario K1G 6H5