Ottawa police have made over 80 arrests in connection to vehicle thefts so far in 2023

The Ottawa Police Service (OPS) is advising residents to be vigilant and safeguard their vehicles.

Ottawa police said 1,200 vehicle thefts have been reported in 2023, and 85 have been reported this month alone.

“Ottawa police continue to work with municipal, provincial and federal governments and partners to disrupt these criminal organizations,” said the OPS in a release. “To counter this growing crime trend, Ottawa Police experts have trained patrol officers on the current trends, and the technologies and methods needed to intercept thefts in progress before they leave the city.”

Ottawa police said officers have made more than 80 arrests this year, and 315 stolen vehicles have been recovered.

According to police, thefts have not been limited to Lexus and Toyota vehicles. Newer models of the RAV4, Honda CRV, Jeep Grand Cherokee as well as Ford F-Series trucks (higher trim level) and all makes and models of vehicles that are equipped with a proximity key (i.e., push-button start), have also been targeted by thieves.

Vehicle owners are encouraged to consider the following prevention methods: