OTTAWA – The Ottawa Police Service (OPS) initiated a targeted proactive patrol, tailored to the new reality of the majority of the city’s businesses being closed during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Along with regular patrols, Ottawa police have identified sectors throughout the city with a high concentration of restaurants, small businesses and manufacturing industries,” the OPS released in a statement today (March 24). “The sectors are further broken down into sub-sectors, where officers are assigned specific areas to patrol during their shift. The increased OPS presence is to prevent crimes and keep our city and businesses safe. A great example is the work done by our frontline officers this past weekend in responding and arresting suspects in four break and enters.”

The Ottawa police would like to remind residents effective and efficient policing can only be achieved through a collaborative effort and partnership.

“If you see something, say something,” the OPS said. “For further information on keeping your business safe, please refer to our: Tips on how to increase the safety of your business.”

Anonymous tips can be submitted by calling Crime Stoppers toll free at 1-800-222-8477 or at crimestoppers.ca.