28 per cent rise in thefts in Ottawa this year
Posted Mar 7, 2026 09:59:17 AM.
Last Updated Mar 7, 2026 10:02:26 AM.
Ottawa police are noting that thefts in the nation’s capital are sharply increasing in 2026.
According to data shared by the force, all types of theft — $5,000 under and over and of a motor vehicle — rose by 28 per cent year-over-year. Officials noted that 2,700 reports have been filed as of Feb. 12, a large jump seen compared to the same period last year.
“Reports involve retail merchandise, construction tools and copper, online marketplace transactions, and distraction-style incidents,” it details.
To date, police have charged 334 people in theft-related cases, with another 102 given warnings, diversions or other consequences.
Thefts where people are injured
However, there are several individuals still outstanding that police are looking for.
Including a retail theft involving a woman pushing a baby stroller around a store, using it as a deception tool.
According to a press release, police are looking to identify the suspect who they believe was connected to a commercial robbery that happened in January. The incident took place in the 600 block of Kirkwood Avenue around 3:30 p.m.
Security footage, police detail, shows the woman walking through the store and filling a baby stroller with products, before she leaves the store without paying.
When store security approached her, she sprayed a noxious substance on the officer and another employee before running away.
She is described as a white woman, 30 to 35 years old.
Another high-profile incident happened at a Walmart store in the city.
Several “aggressive” thefts where employees were injured, happened at multiple Walmart stores. Officers said that when the suspects were confronted by employees of the store, they became aggressive and assaults on staff were reported.
Police are concerned “about the escalating behaviour” and the risk to employees and the public.
They are looking for three suspects.
