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Ottawa Police look to the public to help prevent vehicle break-ins, particularly in downtown core.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Thursday January 21, 2010 12:30 pm (Ottawa) – In an effort to decrease the number of vehicle break-ins occurring in the downtown core of the city, the Ottawa Police Service is seeking the public’s support through greater vigilance when leaving items in their vehicles and through the reporting of suspicious activity.
There has been a recent increase in the number of vehicles being broken into downtown, predominantly in covered or underground parking lots and parking lots adjacent to hotels and malls. Thieves are most often targeting valuables left in plain sight, for example, electronics, (such as laptops, GPS units, iPod’s and satellite radio receivers), loose change and other bags or parcels. Vehicle owners are asked to ensure they do not leave any valuables in their vehicles when parking. If items must be left in vehicles, they should be secured in the trunk, out of sight.
Members of the public can also assist by reporting suspicious persons and all theft incidents to police in a timely manner by contacting 9-1-1 for an incident in progress or the Call Centre at 613-236-1222, ext. 7300 (TTY: 613-760-8100) for all other theft incidents.
The Ottawa Police Service has responded to this issue through proactive enforcement, the use of crime prevention strategies such as “positive ticketing” (i.e. leaving theft prevention notices on vehicle windshields) and public education. Additional prevention information can be obtained from the Ottawa Police website at: ottawapolice.ca
CONTACT: Staff Sergeant Uday Jaswal, Central East District
Telephone: 613-236-1222, ext.5495 Ottawa Police Service - Service de police d'Ottawa
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