07/28/2026
https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1Ear6J7W4q/?mibextid=wwXIfr
Ottawa police are reporting a rise in theft and shoplifting charges so far this year, with downtown neighbourhoods seeing the highest number of reported incidents.
According to police data, there have been 12,360 thefts under $5,000 reported between Jan. 1 and July 20, 2026 including shoplifting up from 10,460 during the same period last year.
The highest number of reported thefts under $5,000 were in:
📍 Rideau-Vanier: 2,781 incidents
📍 Somerset: 1,357 incidents
📍 Kitchissippi: 824 incidents
Overall, property crime is up in Ottawa this year, though police say other offences including break and enters, robberies and vehicle thefts have decreased.
Some residents say they’ve noticed the increase firsthand, reporting stolen groceries, packages and items taken from vehicles.
Have you noticed a change in theft or shoplifting in your neighbourhood? 🤨👀
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