Neighbourhood Watch Bulletin for 2021-05-28

The most recent items from Neighbourhood Watch:

  • Thefts of catalytic converters.
  • Rules of the road for e-scooters.


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

– Alex

—– Forwarded Message —–
Subject: Neighbourhood Watch Bulletin for May 26, 2021
Date: Wed, 26 May 2021 12:26:03 -0400
From: Darren Joseph <wellingtoncpc@gmail.com>

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

Contact Cst. Darren Joseph directly (west of O-Train, Line2) at josephd@ottawapolice.ca or 613-236-1222, ext. 5871.
*********************************

Thefts of catalytic converters

Catalytic converters are an important part of every vehicle; they serve as an exhaust emission control and help reduce pollutants in exhaust gas. Unfortunately, they are also an item that the Ottawa Police Service has noted as frequently stolen. Catalytic converters are expensive and hold a high resale value.

Since January 1, 2021, there have been approximately 187 reported catalytic converter thefts in Ottawa. It is believed that the number is higher, as oftentimes these thefts go unreported.

These thefts happen fast, with only a few tools and the right amount of time, they are quickly removed before the vehicle owner notices. A video posted online from a partnering police service shows how in under 60 seconds, the catalytic converter can be removed.

The Ottawa Police Service has documented that these thefts mainly occur in the late evening or overnight, and often with vehicles that are higher off the ground (commercial vehicles, full sized vans, pick-up trucks).

With this information in mind, the Ottawa Police Service is offering some tips to protect your vehicle against catalytic converter thefts:

  • Make your vehicle less vulnerable to thefts by parking it in a locked garage.
  • Lock your vehicle and ensure that the security system is active, if equipped.
  • Exterior lighting and video surveillance around the driveway can also serve as a deterrent.
  • Parking near a busy pedestrian area or near any known surveillance cameras.
  • Finally, good old-fashioned neighbourhood watch. If you see something suspicious, do not engage the suspected thieves, call 911, and be vigilant!

Catalytic converter thefts can be reported online.

Anonymous tips can be submitted by calling Crime Stoppers toll-free at 1-800-222-8477 or at crimestoppers.ca

Subject: Neighbourhood Watch Bulletin for May 28, 2021
Date: Fri, 28 May 2021 15:51:35 -0400
From: Darren Joseph <wellingtoncpc@gmail.com>

Rules of the road for e-scooters

E-scooters are expected to double in volume on our roadways this year to approximately 1500 operators as more people either purchase one for personal use or rent one from the City of Ottawa’s pilot e-scooter program that launched on May 28th.

It’s important that both users and drivers understand the rules of the road for e-scooters to ensure the safe use of these devices and to remember to share the road.

“We get a lot of questions about how to operate an e-scooter. The best rule of thumb is that you operate an e-scooter the same way you would ride a bicycle,” said Traffic Unit Sergeant Robert Cairns. “Be safe, wear safety equipment and watch out for vulnerable road users like pedestrians and children.”

This includes riding in bike lanes or on the shoulder of a roadway and not on sidewalks. Riders who are found using their e-scooters on sidewalks are subject to a $150 fine.

Additionally, the following rules apply:

  • You must be at least 16 years old to use an e-scooter, and if you are under 18-years-old you must wear a helmet. All riders are encouraged to wear helmets and bright clothing so that drivers can see them.
  • Your e-scooter must have a bell or a horn, as well as a white lamp on the front of the e-scooter and a red one on the rear of the device (to be turned on at dusk).
  • You cannot ride an e-scooter with a passenger.
  • E-scooters are not permitted on NCC cycling paths or in the ByWard Market.

Drivers should note that they should use the same 1-metre distancing rule for e-scooters as they are required to do for cyclists.

You can rent an e-scooter from the City at multiple areas citywide. For an overview of coverage, please review this map.

“I have made it a point to educate our officers on the rules and associated fines, so that we are protecting the safety of both riders and pedestrians,” said Sgt. Cairns. “We want people to enjoy these new scooters, but we want you to know that we will also be out there enforcing the laws.”

If you have a complaint about someone dangerously using an e-scooter, you can file a Traffic Complaint online at www.ottawapolice.ca/onlinereporting.

For more information, please visit our E-Scooter web page.