Thefts from vehicles surge 35% in Ottawa's west and south end over the summer
Police report 1,140 vehicle thefts from July to September 2026, up from 844 the previous year. Most involve suspects checking door handles and entering unlocked cars.
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Thefts from vehicles surged 35% over the summer in Ottawa's west and south communities, with police reporting 1,140 incidents between July 1 and September 30, 2026, compared to 844 in the same period last year.
Most incidents involved suspects checking door handles and entering vehicles left unlocked, according to Ottawa Police Service. Common items stolen include wallets, credit cards, cash, sunglasses, and tools. Some thefts escalated when garage door openers stolen from vehicles were later used to access homes.
West District Inspector Ian Hayes said the crimes are preventable. "Taking a few seconds to lock your vehicle and remove valuables can significantly reduce the risk of becoming a victim. We are asking residents to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity in their neighbourhoods."
Ottawa ranked fourth on the Insurance Bureau of Canada's list of costliest cities for vehicle theft claims in 2025, climbing from sixth place in 2024. Toronto, Brampton, and Mississauga rank first, second, and third.
Police recommend locking vehicle doors and closing windows, removing valuables or keeping them out of sight, avoiding garage door openers in vehicles, keeping front lights on at night, and reporting suspicious activity. Residents can join Neighbourhood Watch or contact the Community Police Centre for a free home security inspection through the Safeguard Your Home program. The CAMSafe program allows residents to register community security cameras for police access during investigations. Overall vehicle thefts have decreased since peaking in 2022, though the sharp rise in thefts FROM vehicles marks a shift in crime tactics. For non-emergency tips, call Ottawa Police Service; Crime Stoppers accepts anonymous reports at 1-800-222-8477.
What specific west and south neighbourhoods see the highest theft concentrations?
Have police increased patrols in these areas, or do resources remain constant?
We'll update this story as answers emerge.
The facts
How many vehicle thefts occurred in Ottawa's west and south end from July to September 2026?
1,140 vehicle thefts were reported between July 1 and September 30, 2026, representing a 35% increase from 844 incidents in the same period the previous year.
What items are most commonly stolen from vehicles in Ottawa?
Wallets, credit cards, cash, sunglasses, and tools are the most frequently stolen items from vehicles in Ottawa's west and south end.
Where does Ottawa rank for vehicle theft claims in Canada?
Ottawa ranked fourth on the Insurance Bureau of Canada's list of costliest cities for vehicle theft claims in 2025, up from sixth place in 2024. Toronto, Brampton, and Mississauga rank first, second, and third respectively.
