A suspect was arrested by police at approximately 10PM on Saturday, 27th Jan. He was going through sheds in backyards and breaking into vehicles. If you think your property was broken into or items have been stolen, contact the Ottawa Police Services and refer to report number 18-22371.

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Reported on January 19, 2018

Police cars were on Simpson Rd this morning in response to a call that I made around 10:15. I noticed a person at Paul Hewitt's house (440) at the garage door and then at the front door, ringing the bell and then trying to open the door. Unsuccessful, he went down the driveway and headed west, stopping frequently, turning and looking in at houses. He had a parka with the hood up and a backpack.

The police arrived when he was at the South Haven end of the street. One officer came to our house after awhile to report that the person has mental health issues and seemed lost and trying to find his house, apparently not far from here. They had him in the car. No harm done but a reminder to keep doors locked and be vigilant.

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There has also been quite a high number of coyote sightings in the hood. In fact, our home backs onto the Linda Lane park and we have seen 3 over the last couple of weeks. Quite disturbing since there are always so many kids in the park playing. Not sure we can do anything other than as you say, be vigilant.

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I received the following from the Block Captain at Barnhart Place: Block Captains please pass this on to your Watch Members.

Hi passing along this activity from a couple of nights ago.

"just wanted to give you heads up about a strange incident last night. Between midnight and 5 am - we think – someone got into our car – we left it open but it is usually locked. Went through our glove box and scattered paper work around and then smoked a few cigarettes ... maybe a bit of change/bills were taken. They also seemed to move the seats in the back and maybe reclined for awhile. We will keep Sydney on the porch more regularly at night now and leave the motion sensor lights on ... but just a heads up ... very strange"

Please share any experiences you have like this. This is for neighbourhood awareness. Just a reminder this is not a substitute for reporting problems to the police.

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Reported on Sept 6,2016

From Highland Terrace: My husband and I just heard a bang and went out to check and we saw and old grey Honda Civic. The driver was stopping at each house and going through the garbage. I was unnerved as I would not want private information pertaining to my neighbours taken. We had our garage open which also made us nervous.

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Reported on Dec 13, 2015

From Fairbanks Ave -I must have accidentally left my car unlocked. Things were stolen from it overnight, including a GPS and the keys to the cottage (which were not labelled in any way).

I wonder if I bumped the “unlock” button on the key fob as I was putting it away. I certainly do make it a point to always lock the car.

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Reported on 15 Nov, 2015

Ronald Avenue

"Earlier this summer my car was broken into and they took loose change and my golf rain jacket and a pair of working gloves. However, few days ago the lock on my shed was busted and I noticed my chainsaw was stolen."

Briar Ave

"Just wanted to let you know that we had one of our cars broken into before Thanksgiving. They took the GPS and spare change. Filed a report with the police so they had it on the record. No damage to the car."

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Reported on 6 Nov, 2015

A Crestview Road resident reported - My son Nick had his truck broken into overnight.
It was parked on the street in front of our house and when he went out Friday morning he found that someone had broken the door lock and stole some tools from inside the truck. He reported it to the police.

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Reported on Sept 8, 2015

Canada Revenue Agency Scam:
I just received a phone call on my cell phone. It was a recorded message stating it was the Canada Revenue Agency, siting code #something regarding criminal fraud. It was a very threatening message indicating that if I did not call back within 72 hours, CRA agents would be at my door. The phone number is 613-655-9996.

I called Ottawa Police and they confirmed that it is a scam. Not originating from this country and intended to scare people into giving money.

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Reported on Sept 3, 2015

From the Ottawa Police Services:
Beware of False Job Offers

(Ottawa)-The Ottawa Police Service is informing the public of an ongoing scam where people are being offered false employment opportunities.

The employment opportunities are offered on job sites, internet ads, unsolicited emails, unsolicited texts, or in newspapers.

Those who respond to the ads are told that they have received the job and are then sent payment by cheque, e-transfer or other means, which they are then instructed to deposit into their bank account. They are then asked to send a large portion of the money to somewhere else; usually by a money transfer company and keep the balance as payment. Once they send the money on, the bank calls to inform them that the cheque or e-transfer was fraudulent and that their account is overdrawn or frozen.

Sometimes the job might be as a "secret shopper" to test the services of a bank, store, or money transfer service.

This is a reminder to the public never to send money to anybody you do not know and trust. You can view tips<http://tinyurl.com/pnrbqew>.

The Ottawa Police Service Organized Fraud Unit is advising members of the public that are or have been victims of this scam to contact the Ottawa Police and make a report at 613-236-1222, ext. 7300. The call centre is actively tracking all complaints and forwarding them to our Organized Fraud investigators. Anonymous tips can be submitted by calling Crime Stoppers toll-free at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS), or by downloading the Ottawa Police iOS app.

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Reported on August 17, 2015

From Ottawa Police Services:
Warnings about a duct cleaning scam

(Ottawa) - The Ottawa Police Service would like to warn the public about a fraudulent duct cleaning scam.

Unknown persons are misrepresenting Advanced Air Quality Duct Cleaning in Ottawa. Clients are solicited through telemarketing efforts and appear to be spoofing the phone numbers, as if they are calling as Advanced Air Quality Duct Cleaning. The persons then attend the residence, in unmarked vehicles with no business identification. They go the basement, perform no service and then collect money for their work.

The legitimate owner of Advanced Air Quality Duct Cleaning was made aware of this scam by clients calling with complaints about their lack of service, when there is no legitimate record of his employees having attended the residence.

The Ottawa Police remind you to make sure that any persons coming into your residence has proper identification to do the business they claim to do.

Anyone with information with respect to this scam is asked to contact the Ottawa Police Organized Fraud Section at 613-236-1222 ext. 5433. Anonymous tips can be submitted by calling Crime Stoppers toll-free at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS), or by downloading the Ottawa Police iOS app.

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Reported on July 29, 2015

Residents on Ronald Ave reported: We just discovered this morning that Gerry’s car was ‘invaded’ last night. He had inadvertently left the car unlocked (was interrupted in the middle of a chore and forgot all about it), so it was not broken into – no damage.

However the glove compartment had been opened and everything strewn about, and the GPS system was stolen. And a lovely bottle of wine, a gift, that I had forgotten in the trunk of the car had been smashed on the driveway. What a waste…

Linda Scovill next door said this morning that she was woken by what sounded like footsteps on her back deck at about midnight.

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Reported on June 19, 2015

I received the following from a Crestview Road NW Captain:
 
"As Neighbourhood Watch person you should know that my porch planter was stolen last night. It was there when I went to bed and not when I woke up. Very disappointing though not surprising as it was very pretty and very accessible."

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Reported on June 18, 2015

From a resident on Crestview Road: An item of considerable value was left in my mail box last evening. I did not learn of this until this morning when I checked my email at 6:00AM. The item was not there this morning , only the Globe and Mail. I will report the matter to the police.

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Reported on November 17, 2014

A Fairbanks Ave. resident reported: Someone went through my car last night. I think that the only thing they took was a change purse containing parking money (maybe 15 to 20 $). They left the GPS.

I must have left the car unlocked, although that is not my practice.

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Reported on October 29, 2014

Between Friday evening (24 Oct) and Monday Morning (27 Oct) a landscaping company trailer was broken into a driveway at 1881 Broadmoor Avenue. Approximately $6,000.00 worth of equipment was stolen. The owner of the equipment will be filing a report with the Ottawa Police.

A landscaping company trailer parked at 390 Roger Rd (my neighbour's house) was broken into and equipment worth thousands was stolen. Now, Broadmoor Ave is just about across the street from 390 Roger Rd, although 1881 Broadmoor is closer to Smyth than to Roger Rd. When I started reading your e-mail I thought you were referring to the same incident. But it appears that it is 2 different robberies in the same neighbourhood, during the same week-end.

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Reported on October 2, 2014

Four vehicles were broken into the past few days and I received the following reports:

1) A resident on Simpson Road reported the theft of a booster battery from his van on Sunday night.​ The vehicle was unlocked when he checked. It was recommended he notify the police.

2) A resident on Crestview Road Reported:
My truck and van were broken into last night, Wednesday Oct 1st or in the early morning hours of Thurs Oct 2nd.I found my boat keys on the hood of Peter's car (across the street). I am still looking to see if there is anything else missing. They went through glove compartment boxes and pulled things out of the console in both vehicles. My truck was locked but the van was not.

3) Another resident also on Crestview Road reported:
Last night my car was entered. I had left it unlocked. The glove compartment was searched . Just a small amount of loose change was stolen. No damage was done. Police have been advised.

All these incident should be reported to the Ottawa Police Services call centre at 613-236-1222 ext 7300.

Roger Road

They left their van unlocked and found in the morning that it was searched and the door was left ajar. There was nothing of value to be take. She wanted you to know and suggested that people leave more outside lights on since our street is very dark at night.

I mentioned that some people would find that too expensive but that I would pass the message on to you.

Crestview Road

My dash was gone through over the course of last night as well. I must have my car unlocked. Nothing was taken. The incident has been reported to the Ottawa Police.

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Reported on April 3, 2014

A Crestview Road resident's car was searched through a few nights ago. It was unlocked and nothing stolen. Please be aware this type of activity is still going on

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Microsoft Windows XP SCAM
With the end of support on April 8th 2014 of Windows XP many of you will receive calls by so call Microsoft or Windows support technicians. It is important to know that Microsoft or its affiliates will NEVER call you to try and support as your PC technicians. If you receive such a call please follow the following steps.

Do not purchase any software or services.
Ask if there is a fee or subscription associated with the "service." If there is, hang up.
Never give control of your computer to a third party unless you can confirm that it is a legitimate representative of a computer support team with whom you are already a customer.
Take the caller's information down and immediately report it to your local authorities.
Never provide your credit card or financial information to someone claiming to be from Microsoft tech support.

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From Ottawa Police Services:

Ottawa Police issue warning about theft scam targeting motorists


(Ottawa) — The Ottawa Police Service would like to warn the public of a theft scam targeting motorists and urges them to protect their valuables in their vehicles.

On three recent occasions, people had tires from their vehicle tampered with to the point where they were deflated. As the victim tends to their vehicle, a stranger would approach and offer assistance. While the driver is out of the car tending to the tire, valuable items are stolen from the vehicle by the stranger and/or sometimes by an accomplice.

These incidents occurred in several locations across Ottawa - including in parking lots and on streets - at various times of day. At this time, it is unknown if all three reported incidents involve the same suspect or if they are related. There is a vague suspect description available, heavyset middle eastern male.

Anyone with information about any such incidents is asked to contact Det. Stephen Plummer, East District Investigations of the Ottawa Police Service at 613-236-1222, ext. 3415 or Crime Stoppers at 613-233-8477 or toll-free at 1-800-222-8477.

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Ottawa Police reminds the public to keep a close eye on electronic equipment

(Ottawa)— The Ottawa Police would like to remind the public to be vigilant with their electronic equipment when out in public areas such as bars, restaurants, libraries, parked cars and schools.

“We regularly receive reports for lost and stolen cell phones, iPads, laptops and similar electronic equipment from people who have left their electronic equipment unattended for short periods of time resulting in the item being stolen,” noted Ottawa Police Acting Sergeant Jorge Mendonca, with Central District Investigations.

The Ottawa Police encourages members of the public who have lost or had their phones stolen to immediately report this to their cell phone provider.

“We are seeing an increasing number of people that are buying used cell phones on internet sales sites,” added A/Sgt. Mendonca. “We are reminding the public to be cautious when purchasing any items from sources other than known legitimate companies as we are seeing an increase in complaints of purchasers who are not able to activate their new cell phones as the phone’s information is posted to the National Device Blacklist.”

When attempting to activate the equipment, the user will get a message indicating the phone is lost or stolen and cannot be activated.

Another trend Ottawa Police are seeing is members of the public being contacted by unknown persons advising them that they have purchased a lost/stolen cell phone from an unknown person and then demand a reimbursement in order to return the phone.

This is a reminder that possession of a phone or any property that was taken in the commission of an offence is a criminal offence. Anyone knowingly possessing a phone that was stolen is committing the offence of Possession of Property Obtained by Crime, contrary to Section 354 of the Criminal Code of Canada.

A few more tips:

• Exercise caution when purchasing any items from private sales.
• Be cautious if the deal is too good to be true or if the seller is evasive and acts in a manner so as not to be identified.
• Meet with the seller in public places, and watch if the seller is using untraceable e-mails.
• Ask for proof of purchase.
• Check with the National Stolen Device Blacklist Database at http://www.protectyourdata.ca. By checking the cell phone’s 15 digit IMEI number, you will know if it is on the blacklist (expect a delay in having a phone listed on the database).
• Report stolen property to the Ottawa Police Call Center at 613-236-1222.

Anyone with information about stolen cell phone property can contact the Ottawa Police Service at 613-236-1222 or Crime Stoppers at 613-233-8477 (TIPS) or toll free at 1-800-222-8477.

Reported on Nov 16, 2013

Barnhart Place --------- I just wanted to inform you that we might have had an incident last night. Around 2:30am, our dog started barking which he does only if some one is approaching our house. As he did not stop, we got up and checked the house and all the doors were closed. Karsten even went outside to check as well. We went back to bed, but the dog continued reacting to something for about 15min.

This morning we saw that one door I had checked was not closed. Someone was working on the security system during the day yesterday and might have forgotten to close the door. But I as I check the door during the night and it was closed and given the behaviour of Iron (our dog), we think we might have been visited. But we are not sure. Nevertheless, we informed the police in case someone else had experienced the same thing or noticed something.

Reported on Oct 15, 2013

A resident at 1949 Ronald Ave. had a bike (and possibly a red bike pump) stolen from his back yard. He last saw it on Thursday Oct. 10, and realized yesterday, Oct. 15, that it was gone. He has contacted the police.

Reported on July 1, 2013

Some time during last night or very early this morning, a number of sewer grates were stolen from our street (I counted 16 gone).

The city is aware of this situation.

I did not check streets adjacent to ours.

Be careful walking, cycling and driving!

Reported on June 19, 2013

My daughter, Hailee, was walking down Quinlan Road when she noticed a blue Hyundai mid size SUV follow her. The driver was a Caucasian male between 20-30 years old. He was driving very slowly behind her. She had her iPhone and used the camera to see what was happening behind/beside her. Hailee walked past our house because she was scared that he would know where she lived. He reached out and tried to grab her arm and she fell to the ground and then started to run.

We called the police and they interviewed Hailee. She was super brave and remembered many helpful details so the police can put together the best description to watch for this individual and vehicle.

The police asked if there were many children in the neighbourhood and I said absolutely! The police agreed that it is very important that all the neighbours be notified of this information! I used the street party email list to send this out. Please pass this on to any of your neighbours that are not on this list.

Reported on June 18, 2013

The residents at the corner of Faircrest and Roger Rd.just reported their garden shed had been broken into last night and $3000,00 worth of bikes had been taken . The thief left his old bike on the next-door neighbour's lawn ….

The shed not been locked and the incident was reported this to the police.

Reported on June 13, 2013

The owner of 389 Roger Rd. had his locked car broken into this week during the night. The vehicle was parked in the driveway.

It was not damaged, meaning the culprits had the necessary tools to jigger one of the doors open.  No description of the intruder(s) is available.

Reported on June 11, 2013

Ottawa Police reminding the public to be vigilant with distraction thefts

(Ottawa)—The Ottawa Police Service is reminding the public to be aware of distraction thefts that typically occur during the summer months.

“Last summer, there were close to 100 distraction thefts investigated by Ottawa Police,” noted Acting Staff Sergeant Jamie Aldrich,” East District Investigations. “These thefts usually involve unsuspecting victims whose jewelry, debit and credit cards are taken.”

The suspects, both men and women of different ages, use the following four tactics:

Street distraction is when the victim is approached by a suspect, usually in shopping areas often by a female who offers to give them gold jewelry in remembrance of a deceased family member, or as a gift. The suspect places a gold colored necklace over the victim’s neck and quickly removes the victim’s own gold necklace. In most cases, the victim does not realize the theft has occurred until later.

Family in need distraction is when suspect(s) will approach a victim and will give a sympathetic story about a family member being in need. The suspect then offers expensive looking jewelry in exchange for financial assistance which of course is worthless.

Follow the shopper distraction is when suspect(s) will position themselves behind a shopper at a cash checkout and memorize the victim’s PIN (Personal Identification Number). They then follow the victim outside who is deliberately distracted while a second suspect steals the victim’s wallet.

Store Distraction is when a store employee is distracted by a member of the group while a female suspect conceals retail goods under a long flowing skirt then leaves the store.

These distraction thefts have also been observed in other municipalities in Ontario.

To avoid becoming a victim of such thefts, be vigilant. Providing local police with a detailed description of the suspect(s) and relevant vehicle information when applicable (i.e. license plate number, make model & colour) is most helpful.

Anyone with any information regarding distraction thefts is asked to contact the Ottawa Police Service at 613-230-6211, or Crime Stoppers at 613-233-8477 (TIPS) or toll-free at 1-800-222-8477.

Reported on May 24, 2013

A break-in occurred yesterday at #1992 Alta Vista between one and four in the afternoon. The neighbours who called me about it do not know the occupants, but I do know that police were called. Apparently a door was forced and a lap-top and jewellery were stolen.

Please be vigilant. Know your neighbours. Keep an eye out on each other’s behalf. If you’re able to, check in on neighbours who are elderly or living alone.

When we communicate, we are a safer community.

Reported on May 16, 2013

My neighbour on Highland Terrace was at home in a locked house. The thief knocked, finding no one home he proceeded to break in. My neighbour interrupted his attempt and called the police. There was a witness to identify the car and the driver so he is now off the streets.


The white pick up truck that was used was stolen, but I had identified the truck to the police because it was not one of the construction vehicles and was here too often. It seemed out of place.

Reported on May 13, 2013

People in the Rodney and Billings area have seen attempts at car break-ins, especially on weekend nights.

Some report leaving their cars open so that would-be thieves won't break the windows.

This is problematic. Open cars signal a lack of care on the part of homeowners. Seeing unlocked cars, thieves may then target homes.

Meanwhile, they will rifle glove box, under car seats etc. and worst: steal your garage door opener to use while you are gone.

Thieves want easy targets. They will try another area of town if they find cars locked.

Lock all doors, cars and homes. Lock house doors front, back and side when in your yards and gardens and report all incidents to police.

Police funding is based on reported incidents, and full reporting helps police detect trends and solve crimes.

Do your part to protect yourself and keep the neighbourhood safe.

Reported on February 7, 2013

Reported on December 30, 2012

Reported on November 27, 2012

Reported on November 23, 2012

There was an unsuccessful attempt on Nov 23, 2012 to break into the back door of the house at 448 Roger Rd. The door hinges were damaged. Please pass this on to your watch members. This type of crime should always be reported to police because in many instances they can ties in a series of crimes together.

Reported on November 19, 2012

The following was taken from the minutes of the recent Ward 10 and Ward 18 Neighbourhood Watch Coordinators held last Monday, Nov 12.


Sgt. K. Plomp and Det. D. McCluskey from the East End Break and Enter Unit to addressed the NW Coordinators about the recent rash of break-ins. The break-ins are occurring from Walkley up to the Smyth/Russell/St. Laurent area. Sheds are being targeted for snow blowers, lawn mowers, leaf blowers and even generators. Houses for sale are being broken into and the appliances stolen. These crimes are cyclical, as the rates go down with the arrest and jailing of these thieves, only to go up again upon their release. It appears that several are back on the streets at this time. Det. McCluskey said that the community has been fantastic, calling in to report occurrences, and that Cst. McCoy keeps him informed. Once the crime analysts establish a pattern, resources are then assigned to deal with it. However, once the media becomes involved, more break-ins occur as the thieves think that the police will blame the person of interest; some people take this opportunity also to perpetrate insurance frauds for the same reason. At this time, police are unable to identify or find the buyers of the stolen items.

Also of concern are the thieves using “scripts”: offering to do odd jobs, checking the hot water tank, knocking on doors looking for a friend, etc… Females are being used more and more to allay suspicions. NW members are urged to call in to report anything suspicious, descriptions of suspects, vehicles and licence plate numbers, etc…

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Reported on October 25, 2012

The property on Fairbanks/Faircrest was torched completely last night

Reported on October 16, 2012

Reported on October 4, 2012

Reported on August 31, 2012

The old Assaly house at 1880 Fairbanks (corner of Faircrest) was broken into last night ( plate glass window broken in back) and a 'molotov cocktail' thrown in to start a fire - some damage - police arson squad are investigating. A neighbour walking the dog noticed a a 'fire' in the fireplace (on a hot evening!) and reported the incident.