Neighbourhood Watch Bulletin for 2021-06-07

The last week’s items from Neighbourhood Watch:

  • Seniors month.
  • Update on Amber Alert for missing Abby Mathewsie.
  • Missing child found.


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

– Alex

—– Forwarded Message —–
Subject: Neighbourhood Watch Bulletin for June 3, 2021
Date: Thu, 3 Jun 2021 10:49:23 -0400
From: Darren Joseph <wellingtoncpc@gmail.com>

Seniors month

June is Seniors Month in Ontario and the Ottawa Police Service Elder Abuse Unit is reminding everyone that seniors continue to be at risk of fraud, abuse and neglect due to ongoing isolation during the pandemic. Although physical distancing is key to prevent the spread of COVID-19, we encourage people to maintain open communication (e.g. phone or video calls, and emails, etc.) with older family members, friends and neighbours.

“Restrictions have been especially hard for seniors, because they often depend on others for care,” says Cst. Hilary Rao of the Ottawa Police Elder Abuse Section. “Being out of regular contact with family, friends and community supports can make them vulnerable to scams and abuse.”

Familiarize yourself and your elderly loved ones with the types of scams that are out there by checking the OPS website or that of the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre.

If you know of a vulnerable senior who is struggling with mental health, or needing to obtain groceries, health care or social services, you can contact 2-1-1 to connect with a number of social services in Ontario or local community resources. The Ottawa Distress Centre at 613-238-3311 or 1-866-996-0991, is also available 24/7 for mental health support and resources.

Elder abuse is any act or gesture that harms or threatens to harm an older person (65 or older) and can be physical, sexual, financial or mental. Abuse is any single or repeated act, threat, lack of appropriate action compromising the safety or wellbeing of an older person. It includes physical, sexual, financial and psychological abuse as well as neglect.

“Abusers count on their victims not calling police because they are relying on them for care,” says Cst. Rao.

We understand that victims of elder abuse may not want police involvement. Although we encourage all incidents to be reported, there are various community resources available online in cases where victims or families choose not to contact police.

The Ottawa Police Service has an Elder Abuse Information Line – 613-236-1222, ext. 2400 – a non-emergency information line that is managed by the Victim Crisis Unit crisis counselors who provide information, crisis counseling and resources to vulnerable persons and victims of elder abuse.  For emergencies where the safety of a senior is in immediate danger, call 9-1-1.

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

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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, Line 2) at josephd@ottawapolice.ca or 613-236-1222, ext. 5871.

Subject: Neighbourhood Watch Bulletin for June 4, 2021
Date: Fri, 4 Jun 2021 09:45:20 -0400
From: Darren Joseph <wellingtoncpc@gmail.com>

Update on Amber Alert for missing Abby Mathewsie

The Ottawa Police Service continues to search for 11 month old Abby Mathewsie who went missing late last evening from the area of Carling Avenue and Pinecrest Rd.

The child was last seen with her mother at approximately 11:12pm.

The Ottawa Police are treating this missing incident as suspicious.

Updated description: the child is described as Indigenous female, short black hair, wearing a blue onesie with black pants, and white or pink socks. The child has a feeding tube in her stomach and must be fed through the feeding tube. She cannot be fed regular baby formula. She needs medical attention.

The OPS Emergency Services Unit has been conducting a ground search of the area since early this morning. There is a large police presence in the area. The Sexual Assault and Child Abuse Unit is investigating.

Officers are searching the area but investigators are asking nearby residents to search their properties and report anything suspicious.

If you see Abby, please call 911.

If you have information that could assist investigators, but do not know where she is currently, please contact The Sexual Assault and Child Abuse Unit 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.

Subject: Neighbourhood Watch Bulletin for June 4, 2021 (2)
Date: Fri, 4 Jun 2021 09:47:38 -0400
From: Darren Joseph <wellingtoncpc@gmail.com>

MISSING CHILD FOUND