There have been a few break-ins in the neighbourhood this week, including an unrequested porch package opening on Carleton, leaving stuff strewn about when they couldn’t find anything easy to re-sell. There have also been a couple of similar incidents on Cowley and some pollinator garden vandalism and a van break-in. If you see something, please contact the neighbourhood watch or file a report with our local police, so they can at least know what’s happening.

These events occurred during the week of 5 July 2021 and involved one or more industrious and sneaky souls quietly prying off the cross board on the outside of the fence, then pushing that section of the fence inward to gain access to the property. This section of fence was shielded from the view of the residence by a shed that is found on the property near the interior of the fence line.

Furthermore it appeared that after gaining access to the property the person(s) in question hid behind the shed waiting for an opportune time to do something further. Thankfully, nothing else happened as the property does have security lighting, cameras, and a nighthawk of an owner, but it highlights the lengths to which some criminals may go to to break into a property, or to surveil it for later activity.

A separate ‘break and enter’ event also recently occurred at another nearby property where a car was broken into to gain access to a garage door opener; a bicycle was subsequently stolen from the garage on the property.

It is important to file a police report when something of this nature occurs. Doing so will help Ottawa Police Services and the community identify crime trends or problem areas that may require some added attention.

In your travels, please remind your neighbours to be vigilant about their fence lines/back gates/etc (where applicable), particularly where the properties back onto wooded areas, parks, etc., and where they may have other structures/items shielding their view of the inside of their fences.

Report suspicious activities and individuals to the appropriate authorities. Together we can continue keep our community family friendly and safe.

Subject: News from Ottawa Police Service / Les nouvelles du Service de police d’Ottawa
Date: Wed, 10 Apr 2019 10:12:05 -0400
From: Dawn Neilly <wellingtoncpc@gmail.com>

1. On Monday, April 8th, 2019 at approximately 1:30 pm frontline officers responded to a vehicle in the area of Holland Avenue and Island Park Drive where its occupants were observed attending multiple residences stealing parcels left on their doorstep. Officers were able to locate and arrest a lone male who had numerous packages with none addressed to him.

Ottawa Police request the residents in the area bound by Scott Street, Carling Avenue, Holland Avenue and Preston Street who received notifications of delivered packages but where no packages were present to contact Ottawa Police Criminal Investigative Unit as they may have been recovered.
Continue reading “Package Thief Spotted” →

Subject: Fwd: Neighbourhood Watch Notice
Date: Tue, 19 Jun 2018 18:33:07 -0400
From: Dawn Neilly <wellingtoncpc@gmail.com>

Please see attached.

CENTERTOWN/WELLINGTON COMMUNITY POLICE CENTRE
1064 Wellington Street West
tel: 613-236-1222, ext 5287/5871

Neighbourhood Watch Notice

Attention Centertown area,

Over the past few weeks there have been several break and enters into ground and second floor apartments. The incidents have been occurring during the daytime and evening hours and the suspect(s) are entering the apartments through unlocked windows.

Nothing more specific than that at this point, please pass this on and be alert!
Continue reading “Ground Floor Break-ins Notice” →

Several people have been reporting minor theft from cars in the neighbourhood. If it happens to you, feel free to warn other neighbours by contacting your Neighbourhood Watch block captain, sending a message to the webmaster, or by posting on the neighbourhood Facebook group. If this gets bad enough, the Neighbourhood Watch can arrange for an education meeting about theft prevention. Though https://www.ottawapolice.ca/en/safety-and-crime-prevention.asp is a good place to start (hmmm, there’s a section on what to do if your vehicle is broken into).

Please also let our local constable Dawn Neilly know so that even if they can’t catch the thieves, they can track the kind and locations of the crimes. https://champlainpark.org/neighbourhood-watch/reporting-incidentsemergencies-within-our-community/

Here’s a report from one of our neighbours about an event on the wee hours of May 17:

Just wanted to report that my car at xxx Cowley was broken into last night at around 2:45 AM. Nothing was stolen but the 2 culprits (both wearing black hoodies, one in beige pants) were heading North down the last block of Cowley towards the Ottawa River. During my drive around, I noted a few other cars around the neighbourhood with their doors ajar, or dome lights on so this may not be the only notification you receive.

Then there was a post last night (May 19) on the Facebook group about sunglasses being stolen overnight from a car, leaving the interior light on and door ajar. Car reportedly was locked. There’s another report of small change being stolen. Someone noted that baby gear is never stolen, so we can rule out desperate mothers as the thief :-).

– Alex

Also see the neighbourhood discussion Facebook group https://www.facebook.com/groups/ChamplainPark/ for a story about a van being broken into on Carleton Avenue, again. https://www.ottawapolice.ca/en/safety-and-crime-prevention/Prevent-Theft-From-Vehicles.asp has info and a PDF version of the all valuables removed card.

From: “Neilly, Dawn R” <NeillyD@ottawapolice.ca>
Date: October 25, 2017 at 12:43:42 PM EDT
Subject: theft from vehicle

Good afternoon,

I wanted to make sure everyone is aware we have been having an increase of theft from vehicles. The majority of time it is reported that the door was unlocked and the car was searched with no suspects or evidence left behind. I have on occasion had a few people mention that they are certain they locked the car doors but the next day it was still clear to be searched with no damages to the vehicle. There is a lot of speculation that someone out there has a device that will unlock newer model cars that use a fob system. This has not been proven and is just rumors at this time. I did however contact a Honda dealership to discuss this matter and it was suggested that often times Fob remotes are placed in pockets/ purses that have contents in it and may accidentally unlock your doors. It was also mentioned that some of the vehicle have the automatic walk away lock and that a few cars have been reported that this feature was not working. It’s an easy fix and your vehicle can be taken in and diagnosed. This is an option/suggestion only.

I also wanted to remind people that as it is not your fault the vehicles are being broken into I would suggest taking the time to remove your valuables and double check the doors are locked. Below is a link to the web page where you could print your own All Valuables removed cards to display in you windows. They can also be picked up the Community Centre, maybe call in advance to see if someone or is in at the time ext 5871/5870/5290.

It is also import to call in any suspicious persons in your neighbourhood who may be checking car doors or houses by dialing 613-236-1222. Provide a description of the person(s) and last seen location, if you actually see them entre a car door or checking handles this is a crime in progress please dial 911 with your information and keep an eye on the subject(s).

If your vehicle was in fact broken into whether something was taken or not we appreciate you making the on-line report in order for us to gather information on where we need to send officers.

Please feel free to share this email….

Thanks a lot
Dawn

Cst. Dawn Neilly-Sylvestre| Badge #1520
Community Police Centre – 1064 Wellington St
Ottawa Police Service | P.O. Box 9634, Station T, Ottawa, Ontario K1G 6H5
613.236.1222, Ext: 5871 | 613-295-2790| neillyd@ottawapolice.ca