Break and enter

Protect your home from a break and enter with the Ottawa Police Service’s free home security inspection service. Here’s how it works:

  • A police representative will visit your home and run a safety audit, based on a checklist of home security features.
  • You’ll get a booklet that identifies safety improvements and crime prevention tips.

Vehicle theft

Simple acts can reduce the risk of thieves targeting your vehicle. The Ottawa Police Service recommends that you

  • always lock the doors and roll up the windows tightly
  • never leave your keys in an unattended vehicle, even for a quick errand
  • don’t hide spare keys
  • remove valuables, shopping bags and loose change from view
  • park in well-lit areas with pedestrian traffic and facing the street
  • if you have a garage, use it and remember to lock both the vehicle and garage
  • don’t leave personal identification, vehicle registration, insurance certificates or credit cards in your vehicle

Ottawa Police volunteers place the All Valuables Removed warning card on vehicles to remind owners how to prevent theft from vehicles. They contain helpful tips and are meant to be displayed inside the car to show that all valuables have been removed.

What to do if your car is stolen

If your vehicle is broken into or stolen, report the theft to the police immediately.

The police may need a complete description including:

  • Year, colour, make and model
  • Vehicle identification, ignition key and plate numbers
  • Insurance company, insurance policy number, and the agent name and phone number
  • Any outstanding features, such as dents and scratches

Vandalism

Vandalism happens when someone damages or defaces property. Committing an act of vandalism is a criminal offence. If you are a victim of vandalism or a witness to it, report it to the Ottawa Police.

For more information

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