'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
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer denied bail after being charged with killing Canadian couple
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer, one of two men charged in the killings of a Canadian couple in Dominica, has been denied bail.
LeBlanc says he plans to run in next election, under Trudeau's leadership
Cabinet minister Dominic LeBlanc says he plans to run in the next election as a candidate under Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's leadership, amid questions about his rumoured interest in succeeding his longtime friend for the top job.
Sports columnist apologizes for 'oafish' comments directed at Caitlin Clark. The controversy isn’t over
A male columnist has apologized for a cringeworthy moment during former University of Iowa superstar and college basketball’s highest scorer Caitlin Clark’s first news conference as an Indiana Fever player.
U.S. vetoes a widely supported UN resolution backing full membership for Palestine
The United States has vetoed a widely backed UN resolution that would have paved the way for full United Nations membership for the state of Palestine.
Grandparent scam suspects had ties to Italian organized crime, police allege
A group of suspects that allegedly defrauded seniors across Ontario and other parts of Canada using a so-called emergency grandparent scam appear to have ties to 'Italian traditional organized crime,' according to an investigator involved in the OPP-led probe.
Health Canada to change sperm donor screening rules for men who have sex with men
Health Canada will change its longstanding policy restricting gay and bisexual men from donating to sperm banks in Canada, CTV News has learned. The federal health agency has adopted a revised directive removing the ban on gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men, effective May 8.
Prince Harry formally confirms he is now a U.S. resident
Prince Harry, the son of King Charles III and fifth in line to the British throne, has formally confirmed he is now a U.S. resident.
Cat found on Toronto Pearson airport runway 3 days after going missing
Kevin the cat has been reunited with his family after enduring a harrowing three-day ordeal while lost at Toronto Pearson International Airport earlier this week.
N.L. gardening store revives 19th century seed-packing machine
Technology from the 19th century has been brought out of retirement at a Newfoundland gardening store, as staff look for all the help they can get to fill orders during a busy season.