Neighborhood Watch B/E
Ottawa – Over the past month, the Ottawa Police Break & Enter Team has noticed a trend of break-ins to residential apartment buildings throughout the City of Ottawa. The suspects appear to be gaining entry into the units by using a “Bump key” method. This consists of a shaved down key being inserted into the lock and defeating the locking mechanism. Unlike picking the locks, which often renders the lock inoperable, the bump key unlocks the door and does not damage the lock.
In some instances, tenants of these buildings have had suspicious individuals knocking on their doors and when answered the individuals deliver a fake story. The suspects are taking items that can easily be carried away, such as laptops, jewelry and cash.
Residents are asked to be vigilant to this or any type of suspicious activity or person(s) within your buildings and contact the Ottawa Police immediately to report it. It is an offence under the Criminal Code of Canada to possess a bump-key because it is considered a burglary tool.
If anyone has any information, they are asked to contact Sgt. Steve Gardner of the Ottawa Police Break and Enter team at 613-236-1222, extension 2636.
Constable Tim Murray
Barrhaven Community Police Officer