TIPS TO PROTECT YOUR VEHICLE

Ottawa police say the following tips can help protect your vehicle from thieves:

• Park inside a garage if available (in Ottawa, no vehicle was stolen from inside a garage);
• Block your vehicle in tightly against a second less sought after vehicle;
• Use a steering wheel lock (i.e. “Club”) to deter thieves (keep in mind they can cut the steering wheel to remove it);
• Install an Engine Control Module (ECM) port lock;
• Install an after-market vehicle immobilizer and alarm;
• Install after-market tracking devices or “GPS” – many of these have the ability to “fence in your car” notifying the owner’s smart phone if the vehicle leaves the established perimeter;
• Install motion detection lights and exterior surveillance cameras at home – these can act as a deterrent;
• Keep in mind that thieves have returned to steal the replacement vehicle when a vehicle had been stolen, so remain vigilant;
• Neighbourhood watch is still the best defense – so please report any suspicious activity immediately to police at 613-236-1222.

Source: Sharp increase of Vehicle thefts in Ottawa – How to better protect your vehicle

National Capital Area Crime Stoppers features law enforcement and experts in new bi-weekly informational Webinar series

Crime Stoppers partners with local law enforcement and experts to deliver valuable advice to help citizens and businesses better protect themselves physically and virtually

TUESDAY, MARCH 30, 2021, National Capital Area Crime Stoppers today announced the kickoff of a new bi-weekly Webinar series, which will commence on Tuesday, April 13th at 7pm, and will run every second Tuesday evening. The series is designed to tackle some of the top concerns of citizens and businesses in the National Capital Area.

Since the beginning of the pandemic in 2020, Crime Stoppers halted its usual and numerous in-person events, many of which were integral to raising visibility and awareness about crime and the organization’s role in crime resolution.

The new Webinar series, entitled “A Matter of Crime” will initially feature guest speakers from the Ottawa Police Service, who will cover advice and topics related to planning and protecting, such as, how to spot scams and fraud, personal safety, and protection of your home. Future Webinars will also include seasonal topics, such as bicycle theft, how to spot human trafficking, and more experts will provide timely and relevant advice.

“The pandemic has forced us to change the way we engage with the public and businesses. Crime Stoppers remains an important organization in our area in the communication of criminal activities and the subsequent resolution of crime,” said Richard McMullen, President and Chair of National Capital Area Crime Stoppers. “A Matter of Crime Webinar series provides a unique opportunity for local citizens and business owners to interact with law enforcement through our platform, get answers to questions, and receive valuable advice about how to spot crimes or protect against them.”

The Webinar format will feature approximately 15-20 minutes dedicated to a key topic, followed by a 15-30 minute Q&A for attendees. In keeping with Crime Stoppers’ mission to protect individuals’ anonymity, attendees will submit their typed question via the Webinar platform and the expert speaker will answer their question during the Webinar.

“Though many people are working from home and there are fewer vehicles on the road, crime continues to impact the National Capital area, and our citizens and business owners require access to information that will help them,” said Constable Jackalyn Getz, Crime Stoppers Coordinator, Ottawa Police Services. “The new Webinar series provides an opportunity to learn some of the best practices to help protect yourself physically and virtually, as well as your property and investments.”

National Capital Area Crime Stoppers is asking for a minimal payment of $10 dollars to participate in each Webinar, with an opportunity to donate more on the registration website, which anyone can sign up through https://crimestoppers.ca/amatterofcrime/

Twitter: @CSMatterOfCrime