Ottawa police see spike in shoplifting reports [Video]

Shoplifting accounted for nearly 40 per cent of all online crime reports to the Ottawa Police Service in the spring.

A new report for the Ottawa Police Services Board shows there were 7,920 online crime reports to police in the second quarter, a 28 per cent increase from the five-year, second-quarter average of 6,210.

Police say shoplifting accounted for over 38 per cent of all reports received online.

“In the second quarter of 2024, there was an increase in shoplifting of 19 per cent compared to 2023 Q2,” police say. “Other reports frequently received online include traffic complaints (11 per cent of Q2 online reports) as well as mischief to property (5 per cent) and theft from vehicle (5 per cent).

The Ottawa Police Service received 98,760 demands for service in the second quarter through both calls for service and online reporting. Staff say that’s up two per cent over …