'Thieves are getting brazen': Ottawa police warn of spike in daytime vehicle thefts at malls, grocery stores
Ottawa police are warning motorists to watch out for a new trend this fall of vehicles being stolen from parking lots at shopping malls, grocery stores and recreation and sporting venues in broad daylight.
"Thieves are getting brazen," Staff Sgt. Cathy Brown said in a statement.
"You may have your mind on your seasonal shopping list, but thieves are taking advantage of unattended vehicles in parking lots to steal your car, SUV or truck."
A total of 1,160 vehicles have been reported stolen in Ottawa this year. Police tell CTV News Ottawa that 173 vehicles were reported stolen in November.
In a media release, police say there has been "a surge" of reported vehicle thefts from the parking lots of grocery stores, recreation and sporting venues and shopping malls during daylight hours.
Det. Doug Belanger told Newstalk 580 CFRA's Ottawa Now the daytime vehicle thefts can happen in minutes.
"This trend of some of the daytime (thefts) targeting vehicles is a very recent trend. I'm concerned that it might become more common if it proves to be a good option for these organized groups," Belanger said Friday afternoon.
"Statistically, it's only a very small proportion of the overall (theft) rate."
Belanger says the amount of time it takes to steal a vehicle is "minimal".
"The availability of these vehicles and the amount of time it takes is so minimal. Some of the investigations we've had to date, I've seen groups that are so polished at it," Belanger said. "The amount of noise and the fuss that it takes to perform the theft is so minimal; how much is that really going to stand out in a large parking lot … it doesn't take long. By the time people maybe realize what's going on, it's already done and it's away."
Police say there has been an "undeniable spike" in thefts of the following newer model vehicles
- Honda (specifically CRVs)
- Acura
- Dodge Durango
- Jeep Grand Cherokee
- Lexus RX
- Ford F-series trucks
Police say any model of vehicle with a proximity key are being targeted by thieves.
"We are seeing it on a daily basis now and that's something that has been a continuing trend but it's escalated quite aggressively," Belanger told CTV News Ottawa.
Vehicle thefts are still being reported overnight from an owner's driveway.
When you are shopping or at the arena this holiday season, police encourage you to "be vigilant" while parking.
"That means engaging any security system you have purchased for your vehicle," Brown said.
"For example, if you have an Engine Control Module (ECM) port lock, make sure it is engaged, if you own a club, attach it to your steering wheel while you shop."
A total of 373 stolen vehicles have been recovered by police this year.
Police recommend the following tips to protect your vehicle:
- Parking inside a garage if available
- Install an Engine Control Module
- Install an after-market vehicle immobilizer
- Installing after-market tracking devices or "GPS"
- Use a steering wheel lock to deter thieves
With files from CTV News Ottawa's Natalie van Rooy
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Young people 'tortured' if stolen vehicle operations fail, Montreal police tell MPs
One day after a Montreal police officer fired gunshots at a suspect in a stolen vehicle, senior officers were telling parliamentarians that organized crime groups are recruiting people as young as 15 in the city to steal cars so that they can be shipped overseas.
B.C. judge orders shared dog custody for exes who both 'clearly love Stella'
In a first-of-its-kind ruling, a B.C. judge has awarded a former couple joint custody of their dog.
Man sets self on fire outside New York court where Trump trial underway
A man set himself on fire on Friday outside the New York courthouse where Donald Trump's historic hush-money trial was taking place as jury selection wrapped up, but officials said he did not appear to have been targeting Trump.
Sask. father found guilty of withholding daughter to prevent her from getting COVID-19 vaccine
Michael Gordon Jackson, a Saskatchewan man accused of abducting his daughter to prevent her from getting a COVID-19 vaccine, has been found guilty for contravention of a custody order.
Mandisa, Grammy award-winning 'American Idol' alum, dead at 47
Soulful gospel artist Mandisa, a Grammy-winning singer who got her start as a contestant on 'American Idol' in 2006, has died, according to a statement on her verified social media. She was 47.
She set out to find a husband in a year. Then she matched with a guy on a dating app on the other side of the world
Scottish comedian Samantha Hannah was working on a comedy show about finding a husband when Toby Hunter came into her life. What happened next surprised them both.
'It was joy': Trapped B.C. orca calf eats seal meat, putting rescue on hold
A rescue operation for an orca calf trapped in a remote tidal lagoon off Vancouver Island has been put on hold after it started eating seal meat thrown in the water for what is believed to be the first time.
Shivering for health: The myths and truths of ice baths explained
In a climate of social media-endorsed wellness rituals, plunging into cold water has promised to aid muscle recovery, enhance mental health and support immune system function. But the evidence of such benefits sits on thin ice, according to researchers.
'It could be catastrophic': Woman says natural supplement contained hidden painkiller drug
A Manitoba woman thought she found a miracle natural supplement, but said a hidden ingredient wreaked havoc on her health.