Neighborhood Watch, Don Kelly & Brad Hampson
This November is Crime Prevention Month and the Blackburn Hamlet Neighborhood Watch, in cooperation with the Ottawa Police Service (OPS), would like to make residents aware of two criminal activities that are becoming quite prevalent in our area.
Car thefts in Ottawa are on the rise. Over 230 vehicle thefts have been reported this year compared to half that number for the same period in 2021. Newer model Honda CRV are a favorite target, though thieves are also stealing all makes and models of vehicles equipped with a proximity key, or push-button start.
Most commonly, the driver-side door is mechanically breached and the thieves access the vehicle’s Engine-Control Module (ECM) port to reprogram a new key. Residents can take measures to prevent thieves from doing. For example, do not keep your key fob near doors or windows that could allow thieves to scan your ECM from the outside. You can also use a Radio Frequency Shield, also called a Faraday bag/box.
The OPS is recommending vehicle owners consider these preventive measures:
- Park inside a garage (no vehicle has been reported stolen from inside a garage)
- Install an ECM port lock
- Install an after-market vehicle immobilizer
- Use a steering wheel lock (The Club) to deter thieves;
- Install motion detection lights and exterior cameras at your home
The OPS is also advising residents to be aware of the “grandparent scam”, whereby a person (primarily an elderly person) receives a phone call saying that a family member has been arrested and they urgently need to send money for their bail. These callers are incredibly convincing and count on the emotional factor involved. The OPS advise everyone: DO NOT SEND MONEY. Whenever criminal activity is involved, theft, fraud, or other illegal activity, the right thing to do is always contact the OPS. It is imperative that the OPS be made aware of all incidents. The reports are used extensively by the OPS Intelligence to determine trends of crime and address appropriate resources to their prevention.
MAKE THE RIGHT CALL:
Life-threatening Emergency or Crime in Progress — 9-1-1
Police Reporting Unit — 613 236 -1222, ext. 7300
Online Reporting ottawapolice.ca/en/reports-and-requests/file-a-report.aspx