Car thefts and break-ins have been highlighted in the news over the past week. According to an article from CTV news an average of six vehicles a day have been reported stolen in Ottawa so far this year, with Bay ward and River ward being the focus for vehicle thefts. Statistics on the Ottawa Police Service (OPS) crime map show 221 vehicles have been reported stolen in Ottawa since January 1, including 45 vehicles reported stolen over the past seven days.
The Liberal government is actively seeking to address the issue of automobile theft by exploring measures to prohibit the use of devices commonly employed in vehicle theft and are considering more stringent criminal penalties for offenders. These proposed actions were highlighted during a comprehensive summit on Thursday, where various stakeholders, including governments, municipalities, law enforcement agencies, and private-sector partners, participated. The consensus reached at the summit emphasized the complexity of combating the national problem of auto theft and underscored the need for a collaborative, whole-of-society approach to tackle the issue. But until more stringent measures are put in to place, my office will continue to work with residents and our local community police officer report concerns and focus of the targeted areas. Residents must also do what they can to protect themselves.
The following information is from the OPS web site – Tips for vehicle owners to consider following as prevention measures:
- Park inside a garage if available;
- Block your vehicle in tightly against a second less sought-after vehicle;
- If you do not have a garage or second vehicle, one of the most foolproof techniques is to install an after-market vehicle immobilizer and alarm;
- Install after-market tracking devices or “GPS” – many of these have the ability to “fence in your car” notifying the owner’s smart phone if the vehicle leaves the established perimeter;
- If you use “Air Tags” do be mindful that if the thief has an Apple phone, it will advise them that the vehicle is being tracked so try and hide them within the vehicle;
- If you find an “Air Tag” in your vehicle or receive a message on your smartphone that you are being tracked please call police, as this is one means that thieves use to find a targeted vehicle. They typically return under cover of darkness to steal it;
- Install an Engine Control Module (ECM) port-lock;
- Install motion detection lights and exterior surveillance cameras at home as these can act as a deterrent;
- Keep in mind that thieves have returned to steal the replacement vehicle when a vehicle has been stolen, so remain vigilant;
- Use a steering wheel lock (i.e. “Club”) to deter thieves (keep in mind they can cut the steering wheel to remove it); it works best when combined with a secondary anti-theft device that may not be as visible to the thief;
- Neighbourhood watch is still the best defence – so please report any suspicious activity immediately to police at 613-236-1222. Call 911 to report a crime in progress.
Visit the OPS website for more information and tips about you can help prevent vehicle theft.
