These are the hot spots for bicycle thefts in Ottawa

Centretown, Sandy Hill and Lowertown were the hot spots for bicycles thefts last year, with dozens of bicycles reported stolen in the three Ottawa neighbourhoods.

Statistics available on the Ottawa Police Service’s website show 1,191 bicycles were reported stolen last year, down from 1,407 bikes stolen in 2024 and 1,321 bikes stolen in 2023.

Police say approximately 20 per cent of stolen bicycles were recovered in 2025.

The stolen bicycles added up to $947,000 in stolen property last year, according to police.

Of the 1,191 bicycles reported stolen in 2025, 206 bicycles were reported stolen in Centretown and 85 bikes were stolen in West Centretown. In 2024, 259 bicycles were stolen in Centretown and 61 bikes were taken in West Centretown.

There were 19 bicycles stolen at Carleton University.

Monday at 3 p.m. was the worst time for bicycle thefts last year, with 21 vehicles reported stolen.

Ottawa police offer the following tips to protect your bicycle:

• Store your bicycle inside (a locked garage)
• Avoid locking your bike on the front porch or the side of your house
• If you live in an apartment or condo, store your bicycle in a designated secured area
• Invest in a proper bike lock, such as a U-Lock
• Use easy-to-see bike racks that are anchored properly

Police are encouraging people to register their bicycle with 529 Garage.

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CTV News Ottawa looks at what you need to know about bicycle thefts in Ottawa last year.

Top 10 neighbourhoods for bicycle thefts

• Centretown: 206 bicycles stolen (259 in 2024)
• West Centretown: 85 bicycles stolen (61 in 2024)
• Sandy Hill – Ottawa East: 83 bicycles stolen (98 in 2024)
• Lowertown: 71 bicycles stolen (49 in 2024)
• Glebe – Dows Lake: 53 bicycles stolen (60 in 2024)
• ByWard Market: 51 bicycles stolen (83 in 2024)
• Overbrook – McArthur: 42 bicycles stolen (44 in 2024)
• Hintonburg – Mechanicsville: 40 bicycles stolen (55 in 2024)
• Westboro: 31 bicycles stolen (28 in 2024)
• Island Park: 30 bicycles stolen (31 in 2024)

Bicycle thefts by type in 2025

• Mountain: 450
• Hybrid: 335
• Regular: 176
• Other: 167
• Racer: 96
• Touring: 30
• BMX: 9
• Tricycle: 6
• Tandem bike: 1

Bicycles stolen by day

• Monday: 187
• Tuesday: 206
• Wednesday: 189
• Thursday: 172
• Friday: 196
• Saturday: 125
• Sunday: 116

Bicycles stolen by month

• January: 36
• February: 17
• March: 32
• April: 72
• May: 124
• June: 162
• July: 166
• August: 183
• September: 187
• October: 138
• November: 57
• December: 17