Police services across Canada, including in Ottawa, have issued a coordinated alert this week about the resurgence of sophisticated international theft rings. These groups, often referred to as "crime tourists" or "South American theft groups," are believed to be behind a series of high-value residential and retail burglaries.
How the 'Crime Tourists' Operate
According to law enforcement, these criminals enter Canada legally, often arriving alone or in small teams. Once in the country, they coordinate to carry out break-ins. Their primary targets are cash, jewelry, luxury watches, designer items, and small safes. The stolen goods are frequently shipped out of the country to be resold on international markets.
Investigations have linked these organized groups to incidents in several major metropolitan areas. Active probes are underway in the Greater Toronto Area, Vancouver, Montreal, Calgary, and Ottawa. Police note that the thieves operate with speed and precision, minimizing their time at each target location.
Common Targets and Entry Points
Authorities have identified specific patterns in the crimes. Homes that back onto greenbelts, parks, or ravines are considered particularly vulnerable, as are properties that appear unoccupied. The thieves typically avoid front doors, preferring less visible points of entry.
Common methods of entry include rear windows, second-storey windows, and glass patio doors. This approach allows them to work away from the street view, reducing the chance of being spotted by neighbors or passersby.
Police Advice for Homeowners
In response to the threat, the Ottawa Police Service has released a list of preventative measures for residents:
- Install and maintain security systems, including alarms and surveillance cameras.
- Always ensure all windows and doors are locked, even when at home for short periods.
- Avoid posting real-time travel updates or vacation plans on social media.
- Arrange for a trusted house-sitter or ask neighbors to collect mail and monitor your property when away.
- Immediately report any suspicious activity, such as unfamiliar vehicles or individuals seemingly scouting neighborhoods.
While police confirm that arrests have been made in connection to these crimes, they have not disclosed the number of individuals apprehended. The coordinated national alert indicates the scale and seriousness of the ongoing criminal activity.
How to Report Suspicious Activity
Residents are urged to call 911 only if a crime is actively in progress. For reporting past incidents or suspicious behavior that does not require an immediate emergency response, the public can contact the Ottawa Police at 613-236-1222, extension 7300.
Anonymous tips can be submitted to Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS) or online through their website at crimestoppers.ca. Police emphasize that community vigilance and timely reporting are critical tools in disrupting these organized theft networks.
