Neighbourhood Watch Bulletin for 2020-11-09

This week’s topics:

  • Attempted abduction of a child – Kanata.
  • Successful outcome for Centretown Neighbourhood Resource Team.
  • Stolen bikes recovered.


If you’re interested in helping out, see our Neighbourhood Watch Page.

– Alex

—– Forwarded Message —–
Subject: Neighbourhood Watch Bulletin for November 9, 2020
Date: Mon, 9 Nov 2020 13:48:09 -0500
From: Darren Joseph <wellingtoncpc@gmail.com>

1.  Attempted abduction of a child

The Ottawa Police Service Sexual Assault/Child Abuse (SACA) Section is investigating a suspicious incident involving a male in a vehicle approaching young persons and trying to get them into his vehicle.

On Friday, November 6th, 2020 around 3:40 pm, a male driving a long white SUV approached two children as they were exiting a park in the March Road and Second Line area of Kanata.  The male attempted to pull one of the children into the van but got scared away. He left the children unharmed and drove away. The male is described as Middle Eastern, 50-60 years old with dark hair, greying on the sides. The SUV has a broken mirror and a peeling license plate.  Police were called and responded immediately but the suspect was not located.

The Ottawa Police is reminding parents to frequently review tips for children with respect to safety rules. Parents should teach kids what to do when approached by a stranger. Where possible, avoid walking alone.

However, the following tips are offered to children walking alone:

  • Ensure a family member or caregiver knows your route and arrival time;
  • Do not talk to strangers;
  • Do not accept rides from strangers;
  • If an unknown adult is seeking your attention, do not approach them or the vehicle;
  • If being followed, go to a public place, a known residence or shout for help.

For more personal safety tips, visit ottawapolice.ca.

Police are asking for anyone in the area at that time or with any information to please call the Ottawa Police Sexual Assault Child Abuse Section at 613-236-1222, ext. 5944. Anonymous tips can be submitted by calling Crime Stoppers toll-free at 1-800-222-8477, or at crimestoppers.ca.

2.  Successful outcome for Centretown Neighbourhood Resource Team

Centretown Neighbourhood Resource Team (NRT) Officers were conducting proactive patrol overnight when they noticed a man driving an un-plated motorcycle with a loud muffler heading west on Gladstone Avenue.

At approximately 12:36 am, the Officers stopped the vehicle on Arthur Street North of Gladstone.  Their investigation revealed that the driver had no licence and was wanted by the Gatineau Police. The Officers arrested the man and discovered that he had crystal methamphetamine and an illegal weapon in his possession.

The follow-up investigation by the Drug Unit resulted in the following charges against Mackenzie MORTON-RHEAUME, 23 years old, of Ottawa:

  • Possession of property obtained by crime
  • Possession of a schedule I substance for trafficking x3
  • Unlawful possession of a schedule I substance
  • Possession of a weapon dangerous to public peace

He was released on an Undertaking with a condition to appear at a later date.

The Centretown NRT was launched during the week of October 26th.

3.  Stolen bikes recovered

This summer, Frontline Patrol Officers spearheaded project “Hot Wheels”, a community initiative aimed at lowering the number of commercial and residential Break and Enters in which bicycles were targeted.

In August and September, Cst. Samson Vo and Cst. Richard Zulys co-led a team of officers that organized community outreach events – promoting the benefits of having bikes registered with the 529 Garage Program.  These initiatives generated a significant increase in citizens registering their bikes with the Program.

“Police officers partnered with City of Ottawa By-law officers in order to identify several locations believed to be used to dismantle bicycles,” said Frontline Patrol Cst. Samson Vo.  “A total of 5 locations identified as “chop shops” were subsequently closed.”

This initiative, paired with the 529 Garage Program, bolstered the stolen recovery rate of bicycles in our City by 30% compared to 2019.

So far in 2020, a total of 44 bicycles have been recovered and returned to their rightful owners for an approximate value of $30,000.  Furthermore, an additional 100 bicycles were seized and impounded for an additional value of $35,000.

“We strongly recommend that Ottawa residents register their bikes with 529 Garage, which is a proven and effective crime prevention tool, considering the fact that it makes registered bikes less desirable to thieves,” said Sgt Art Wong, responsible for Crime Prevention with the Ottawa Police Service.  “Close to 6,000 bikes have been registered to date and of the 154 bikes that have been reported stolen, 39% (61) have been returned to the rightful owner.”

“We would like to thank the Bank Street BIA, Bikes Ottawa, Ottawa Bike Club, Safer Roads Ottawa, the City of Ottawa By-law and Crime Stoppers for their support and our team of dedicated officers,” added Cst. Richard Zulys, with Frontline Patrol.

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Contact Cst. Darren Joseph directly (west of O-Train, Line 2) at josephd@ottawapolice.ca or 613-236-1222, ext. 5871.
Contact Cst. Stephanie Lemieux directly (east of O-Train, Line 2) at lemieuxs@ottawapolice.ca or 613-236-1222, ext. 5287.