Reporting Crime
It has been noted that many crimes or attempts have been photographed or videotaped and posted in the BCA Facebook group. This is NOT the appropriate venue. If it is a crime in progress (ie. traffic complaint, or crime in progress), report to 911 immediately. To report a crime after the fact, call the numbers below or report on line and ensure you attach or advise that photographic or video evidence exists for the OPS to retrieve.
Distraction Thefts
The Ottawa Police Service (OPS) is asking residents to stay alert and help spread the word about distraction thefts that continue to occur across the city. In a recent incident, a resident was approached while checking a community mailbox by a group of individuals in an SUV asking for directions. The interaction quickly shifted, with the driver offering “gifts” such as jewelry and attempting to get physically close. The resident avoided physical contact, and left safely. These types of incidents are often distraction theft attempts. The suspects are so good at the distraction that victims often don’t realize the theft has occurred until afterwards.
Distraction thefts typically involve individuals posing as friendly strangers or salespeople. They may:
- Ask for directions or strike up a conversation
- Offer “free” jewellery or try to place items on you
- Attempt to shake your hand or touch you
- Work in pairs or small groups, sometimes from a vehicle or including a youth
While one person keeps you engaged, another may try to steal jewellery, wallets, or other valuables. Anyone can be approached, but suspects often target people who are alone, particularly seniors, or those wearing visible jewellery. These incidents are happening across Ottawa, often in:
- Parking lots
- Residential streets
- Near homes or community mailboxes
- Other public spaces
Protecting yourself includes:
- Keeping your distance from strangers, especially if they approach from a vehicle
- Do not accept unsolicited gifts or jewelry
- Avoid physical contact
- Trust your instincts—if something feels off, walk away
- Keep valuables out of sight
These scams often rely on people being polite and helpful. Take a moment to:
- Talk to older family members, neighbours, or clients about this tactic
- Remind them it’s okay to disengage and walk away
- Encourage them not to accept items from strangers
What to do if it happens:
- If the suspects are still nearby, call 911
- Do not follow them
- Try to note details like vehicle description and direction of travel, physical descriptions, clothing
Anyone with seniors in their lives—businesses, families, community groups, friends, and personal support workers—is asked to talk to them about distraction thefts and how to stay safe. To report an incident after the fact, contact the Ottawa Police Service at 613-236-1222, extension 7300, or report online at ottawapolice.ca/report. Anonymous tips can be submitted to Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or online at crimestoppers.ca.
Fraud
The Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre (CAFC) is warning the public about ongoing frauds involving the compromise of online accounts through the misuse of one-time passcodes (OTPs).
Fraudsters are finding new ways to access online accounts, including on social media platforms such as Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), Snapchat and WhatsApp, as well as email, banking platforms, and online telephone accounts. In many cases, perpetrators will initiate a login attempt using your phone number or email address. This triggers a legitimate one-time passcode to be sent to you. The perpetrator will then contact you often impersonating a trusted organization, service provider, or even someone you know and request that you share the code. Once the OTP is shared, fraudsters can take control of your account, lock you out, and use your identity to target your contacts or commit further fraud.
In addition, the CAFC are warning Canadians to remain vigilant against FIFA World Cup™ themed frauds. Large-scale events generate significant demand for tickets, travel, and accommodations. Fraudsters often take advantage of this demand by advertising fraudulent tickets, fake travel packages, and non-existent short-term rental accommodations.
As Canada prepares to host matches during the FIFA World Cup 2026™, authorities are encouraging fans to take precautions when purchasing tickets or booking travel and accommodations.
Full news release: Warning on FIFA World Cup™ themed frauds | Royal Canadian Mounted Police
Any frauds should be reported on line to both the OPS and to the CAFC. So far in 2026, over 188 million dollars have been lost to frauds across Canada. More information on frauds and cyber crime is available on the aforementioned website.
Blackburn Reported Crime:
26 March and 26 April 2026, include the following (from https://data.ottawapolice.ca/pages/maps):
- 3 Assaults
- 1 Theft Under $5000
- 2 Mischief Under $5000
