Neighbourhood Watch Bulletin for 2021-06-28

Only a couple of articles accumulated from last week’s Neighbourhood Watch:

The battle against catalytic converter thefts continues.
Tip-line established for animal cruelty investigation.

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

– Alex

—– Forwarded Message —–
Subject: Neighbourhood Watch Bulletin for June 18, 2021
Date: Fri, 18 Jun 2021 09:07:12 -0400
From: Darren Joseph <wellingtoncpc@gmail.com>

Contact Cst. Darren Joseph directy (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.

***************************

The battle against catalytic converter thefts continues

Only a few weeks ago, the Ottawa Police Service (OPS) issued a release highlighting the ongoing problem in the city with catalytic converter thefts. Yesterday, OPS also released photos of several suspects to identify involved in these thefts; we are now bringing attention to the consequences for would-be thieves and buyers.

What we know:

As of June 8^th, 2021, there has been a 324% increase in catalytic converter thefts over the same period last year (January 1^st to June 8^th).
Thieves appear to be targeting vehicles in parking lots, parking garages, and laneways.

What this means for vehicle owners:

Possibly pay out of pocket to have damages repaired.
Making an insurance claim also means insurance premiums can go up.

Notice to potential thieves and buyers:

Stealing a catalytic converter can result in criminal charges including Theft under $5000, Mischief under $5000, Possession of stolen property under $5000
Purchasing a stolen catalytic converter can result in criminal charges for the buyer too.
– Purchasing one: Possession of property obtained by crime under $5000

– Purchasing two: Possession of property obtained by crime over $5000

– Possible charges of Trafficking in property obtained by crime over $5000, Breaking and Entering, and Laundering proceeds of crime.

You can 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!

The Ottawa Police Service is diligently investigating all reports of Catalytic Converter thefts with the intent of identifying and charging the individuals responsible for stealing these items as well as those purchasing them. These are serious criminal charges with serious penalties and possibly jail time.

Anyone with information that could identify offenders, those stealing or purchasing them for resale, are encouraged to report it to police by contacting the Police Reporting Unit at 613-236-1222 ext. 7300 or online.

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

Tip-line established for animal cruelty investigation

A Tip-Line has been set up by the Ottawa Police Service investigators after the discovery of more deceased cats that appear to show signs of human abuse.

Anyone with information about these investigations is asked to call the Tip-Line 613-236-1222, ext. 5760.

In total, the deaths of six cats are being investigated in the area bounded by Greenbank Rd, Baseline Rd, Merivale Rd and Hunt Club Rd.

Part of the investigations include ruling out the possibility that these deaths have been caused by other animals.

Police are taking this investigation very seriously. Patrols have been increased and forensic officers have documented the deaths.

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

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