Police caution against new wave of thefts from vehicles
Posted Mar 5, 2010 By Charelle Evelyn
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Tweet ThisEMC News - As the winter weather winds down, it's not only the wild animals that are coming out of hibernation. The Ottawa Police Service (OPS) is warning residents to be on the lookout for people stealing from vehicles.
The practice, known as car hopping, which was a major problem last summer seems to be on the rise again, said OPS Manotick community police officer Const. Peter Jeon.
Car hopping generally involves youths who walk through a neighbourhood and check for unlocked doors or windows that give them easy access to valuables left in vehicles overnight.
According to Const. Jeon, the first incident of car hopping this year was reported in mid-February and by the end of the month there were as many as six reported incidents in North Gower and Kars.
In Manotick, an observant resident reported the suspicious activity after noticing footprints left in freshly fallen snow that weaved up and down driveways on Potter Dr.
"Police weren't able to catch up but they were able to tell from the footprints that (the suspect) knew the jig was up and was running," Const. Jeon said.
To avoid being victimized by car hoppers, residents need to take care that they are removing their valuables from their vehicles and locking them at night, he said.
"We're going to be pounding the pavement soon in different subdivisions to say 'hi' to people and remind them to take their valuables out," said Const. Jeon.
Police will also be trying to encourage residents to check their vehicles regularly and report any suspicious activity.
"That's the only way to get visibility of what's happening in there," Const. Jeon said.
That community support is going to become especially important within the next few weeks as Const. Jeon adjusts to taking on a second community police centre in West Carleton.
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