Here's how to stay safe during the holidays in Ottawa

Safety tips for the holiday season Ottawa Police are providing some tips and tricks to protect yourself from porch pirates and thieves this holiday season.

It’s the season for holiday celebrations and the Ottawa Police Service wants you to stay safe, noting that it’s a busy time for thieves as well.

Police are reminding residents of how to stay safe while celebrating, getting around, or shopping.

Driving

Janet Rye's Mazda was stolen last year. Luckily, it was recovered just days later. "I went out and got the club right after that," she tells CTV News.

She now uses the steering wheel lock in the hopes of keeping car thieves away. "It gives a strong signal. It's not going to be so easy to hotwire my car and get out of here."

There have been more than 1,500 vehicles reported stolen in Ottawa so far this year and while that number is down from 2023's total, Ottawa police say to take precautions,

"Steering wheel lock is probably the most reliable one, because, again, if the car gets started, the thief won't be able to steer it," acting Sgt. Seb Lemay tells CTV News Ottawa.

“To promote safe and responsible celebrations, the Ottawa Police Service has launched its RIDE (Reduce Impaired Driving Everywhere) program,” police said in a news release.

If you plan to consume alcohol or cannabis, make arrangements for a safe way home, such as:

“It is also important for drivers to exercise safety precautions due to the rising amount of car thefts across Ottawa.”

The city’s police says vehicle owners can minimize the risk of having their cars stolen by:

If confronted by a car thief, especially one with a weapon, do not engage. Prioritize your safety and call 9-1-1 immediately, police say.

Before hitting the road, ensure your vehicle is ready for winter. Check that your tires are in good condition and suitable for snowy conditions, keep an emergency kit in your car and adjust your driving to match the weather. If your vehicle breaks down, move it to the side of the road if possible and call 9-1-1 for assistance if you’re in a hazardous location.

Home safety

While many laugh along with the movie ‘Home Alone,’ it’s a reminder that some thieves work overtime during the holiday season.

According to police, the holiday season often sees an increase in break-ins and package thefts. Protect your home by locking all doors and windows, even if you’re stepping out for a short time.

Police say, If traveling, use timers for lights to give the appearance that someone is home, and keep outdoor areas well-lit.

For package deliveries, avoid leaving items unattended at your door. Coordinate with a neighbour to pick up your packages, use a doorbell camera, or request a signature-required delivery option to prevent theft.

"When somebody receives a package on their porch, if it stays there for several hours, again, there's an opportunity there for a thief to, unfortunately, take the package and, run away with it," says Lemay.

Shopping

"When somebody receives a package on their porch, if it stays there for several hours, again, there's an opportunity there for a thief to, unfortunately, take the package and, run away with it," says Lemay.

Many are looking to save this year but be wary of online scams. If a deal is too good to be true, it probably is.

"We're all looking for perhaps a bargain on a site like Facebook Marketplace or Kijiji, and it's very easy for us to get taken. So, the things to look for are ensuring that you are dealing with someone who you can identify and trust. In many cases, sellers pose as someone else," says technology analyst Carmi Levy.

He says to help avoid potential scams, try to make the transaction in person. "The instant that you mention that you want to meet them in person at a safe place, like a police station, is the moment that many of the scammers say, not worth it and they just ghost you."

Ottawa police are also urging residents to be wary of fraudulent activities during the holiday season.

While many head to their local mall, some look to online marketplaces for deals or to sell items – Police have “designated parking spots,” designed to support safety when completing trades from online marketplaces or any other type of personal sales.

“Safe Trade,” locations are:

Credit Card scams remain prevalent around the holidays, as shoppers are quickly rushing to pay for items online or in person and may overlook clues for phishing scams or debit and credit card machines that have been tampered with. Always review your credit card statements and if you have fraudulent charges on your credit card, contact your credit card company or bank.

For in person shopping, keep your purse, bag or wallet close to you and closed while you’re out shopping. People leave their carts unattended or turn their back for a moment, and thieves will use this quick opportunity to grab your wallet or phone, police add.

Do not feel pressured to provide any personal information to others whether in person, online or over the phone. If you suspect that you are in the process of being scammed, decline or delay your response and conduct additional research. There are resources for help, such as the 2-1-1 helpline, a number in which residents can call to speak to someone who can help figure out if you are in the process of being scammed.

Additionally, residents can also access the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre website which provides up-to-date information on the latest scams and how to report them.

If you’ve been a victim of fraud, call police at 613-236-1222, extension 7300.  Anonymous tips can be submitted by calling Crime Stoppers toll-free at 1-800-222-8477 or at crimestoppers.ca.