“All Valuables Removed” Warning Cards
Overview
Based on recent public surveys, community feedback, and crime analysis, vehicle owners are concerned about vehicle theft and thefts from vehicles. “All Valuables Removed” warning cards are designed to remind vehicle owners they have an active part to play in preventing these crimes. Get informed and get involved - be aware of factors that might make vehicles more attractive to thieves and vandals. Let's work together for a safer community!
The card is placed on the windshields of vehicles in an identified area by Ottawa Police volunteers. They are designed to alert vehicle owners to the risk of theft and contain helpful tips on how to keep vehicles and possessions safe. The cards are also designed to be displayed by vehicle owners on the inside of the driver’s side window to display the message, “All Valuables Removed” – letting would-be-thieves know not to bother searching the vehicle and alerting others to take the same precautions.
See photos from the July 2011 launch of the "All Valuables Removed" initiative
Report It!
If you have been a victim of vehicle related theft, report it. This enables the police to track patterns of criminal behaviour and better deploy police resources in an effort to resolve a broader problem.
How does it work?
Police officers or volunteers place the warning cards on the windshields of vehicles in a particular area that has a recent history of criminal activity or is at risk for it. Vehicles targeted include those left unattended in high-volume areas, those with valuables visible, and those located in areas identified by the police as particularly vulnerable to theft.
Where can I obtain an “All Valuables Removed” warning card?
Warning cards are available at Community Police Centres, Information Desks, and by request at pia@ottawapolice.ca.
If you’ve already received a warning card, please complete this quick survey to help us serve you better!
Tips & Hints
- Don't leave personal identification, vehicle registration or insurance certificates, or credit cards in your vehicle.
- Remove valuables and shopping bags from view. This includes loose change and electronic devices such as Ipods, cell phones and GPS navigation systems.
- Never leave your vehicle running and unattended.
- Close windows and lock the doors.
- Never leave your car or house keys in your vehicle.
- Park in well lit areas with pedestrian traffic.
For more information on this and other crime prevention programs, please contact your local Community Police Centre.
Have feedback or comments? Send us an e-mail!
We would like to extend a special thanks to the Edmonton Police Service who first started the “All Valuables Removed” campaign.
Frequently Asked Questions - All Valuables Removed
Expand all
Collapse all
-
A: In 2010, there were a total of 5929 reported thefts from vehicles (both over and under $5000) in Ottawa, compared to 6785 in 2009 and 5360 in 2008. While thefts have shown a decrease from 2009 to 2010, the city of Ottawa is still experiencing over 5000 thefts from vehicles per year and these numbers do not include incidents which have not been reported.
The decrease in 2009 may be due in part to the introduction of the “Theft Prevention Notice” program (a positive ticketing program) which formed the basis for the “All Valuables Removed” initiative. The hope is that the enhanced initiative will provide a further decrease in thefts from vehicles.
For information on what is happening in your neighborhood, try our
Ottawa Crime Mapping Tool.
-
A: Thefts from vehicles can occur anywhere however, the majority of thefts from vehicles occur in parking lots and on residential/private property, i.e. vehicles parked in driveways and on streets.
Thefts from vehicles occur throughout the year though are highest during June, August, September and October, with thefts usually peaking in September.
-
A: Thefts from vehicles are more likely to occur in areas that contain many vehicles and minimal pedestrian traffic, i.e. parking lots downtown, residential neighborhoods at night, etc. However, regardless of the location, any area where a vehicle is left running and unattended, unlocked, or with valuables in plain view, is at risk.
-
A: The Edmonton Police Service, in conjunction with CAA, has a similar campaign aimed at reducing the number of thefts from vehicles by educating the public on removing valuables and placing a card in their window to indicate the items have been removed.
The intent of the initiative is to raise public awareness and with increased awareness, people are more likely to report this type of crime. For this reason, it is difficult to measure whether the campaign has reduced the actual number of thefts from vehicles as people are more likely to report them following an awareness campaign.
Quantitative and qualitative efforts will be made to measure the effectiveness and cost of this program in Ottawa. This includes: monitoring media coverage, evaluating crime and web statistics, keeping track of the number of warning cards issued, conducting public surveys, and gathering feedback from drivers and community partners, as well as police staff and volunteers tasked with program delivery.
-
A: The “All Valuables Removed” initiative was promoted through a media launch in July of 2011, where the warning cards were handed out downtown with a demonstration of the best―and worst―ways to safeguard a vehicle. The initiative will be further promoted throughout the year through community outreach.
-
A: The “All Valuables Removed” initiative is intended to enhance the existing Theft Prevention Notice Program, whereby officers and volunteers placed notices resembling tickets on the windshields of vehicles to alert owners to the risk of theft. The “All Valuables Removed” warning cards will be distributed in the place of the notices and will not only provide tips to residents on how to secure their belongings and vehicles, but will also give them a “tool” to deter would-be-thieves.
-
A: The warning cards are intended to work as a crime prevention tool to help address and raise awareness about thefts from vehicles. To effectively reduce thefts from vehicles across the city, it must be used with other tools such as enforcement and community awareness and prevention (such as Neighbourhood Watch).
Thefts from vehicles are a crime of opportunity. Drivers need to get involved and help prevent this type of crime by removing their valuables, locking their doors and windows, and employing other measures to deter criminals, such as using the “All Valuables Removed” warning cards. Ottawa Police can’t be everywhere – everyone needs to play a role in crime prevention.
Community Police Centre volunteers and auxiliaries members will be handing out thousands of warning cards across the city. It is an inexpensive crime prevention tool designed to not only reduce crime, but also save money in report time, insurance and policing costs, and personal costs to victims.