Violent crimes, property theft increased in Ottawa in 2024, police say

Ottawa Police sign outside headquarters on Elgin St. in Ottawa. (CTV News Ottawa)

The City of Ottawa saw a five per cent increase in crimes in 2024, as the Ottawa Police Service reported an increase in violent crimes and property-related offences.

The Ottawa Police Service’s 2024 annual report shows there were 378,200 demands for service last year, down from 427,400 in 2023. Staff say the 12 per cent drop in demands for service was “primarily driven” by a 49,400 drop in 9-1-1 calls last year.

There were 50,600 reported Criminal Code offences in Ottawa in 2024, excluding traffic, up from 48,000 crimes in 2023.

Ottawa saw 8,192 violent crimes in 2024, up one per cent from 2023. Police say the increase in violent crimes was linked to increases in assaults, sexual violations and offences causing death.

Police reported 43,416 non-violent crimes in Ottawa in 2024, up from 39,931 crimes the year before. There was a six per cent increase in property-related offences, mainly due to thefts and fraud, according to police.

Police cleared 39 per cent of all violent crimes and 23 per cent of non-violent crimes last year.

There were 26 homicide victims in 2024. Police reported 53 shootings in Ottawa in 2024, down from 73 the year before.

Ottawa’s crime rate increased to 4,610 offences per 100,000 residents in 2024, up from 4,430 crimes per 100,000 people in 2023.

Here is a look at some of the details from the Ottawa Police Service’s 2024 annual report.

Vehicle thefts

The Ottawa Police Service reported a decline in vehicle thefts last year.

A total of 1,638 vehicles were reported stolen in Ottawa in 2024, down 20 per cent from 2023.

“This decrease is likely due to a combination of factors including continued public awareness, increased government funding to combat auto theft, and increased police enforcement around the province and country,” staff said.

A total of 975 vehicles were recovered after being stolen. Police say 63 per cent of stolen vehicles were recovered in Ottawa, while eight per cent were recovered in other parts of Ontario and 18 per cent of stolen vehicles were located in the Montreal area.

The most frequent vehicles stolen in 2024 were Toyota/Lexus (Rav4, Highlander, RX350, Tundra, Tacoma), Jeep Wrangler, Honda CRV, Land Rover SUV’s, Ram 1500 trucks, and Ford F-series trucks.

Youth crime trends

The Ottawa Police Service says there were 1,331 Criminal Code offences committed by youth aged 12 to 17 in 2024, down from 1,503 offences in 2023.

The statistics show youths were charged in connection to 357 assaults and 70 sexual violations. There were 283 charges against youth for theft under $5,000, and 74 charges for mischief.

Stunt driving

Ottawa police issued 370 charges for stunt driving on Ottawa roads in 2024, down 11 per cent from 2023.

“This represents the continued success of our zero-tolerance approach and targeted enforcement efforts,” the report said.

The Ottawa Police Service launched the Residents Matters Street Racing Enforcement Initiative in 2024, targeting high-risk drivers and street racing in neighbourhoods across Ottawa.

Ottawa police charged 846 drivers with impaired driving in 2024, down four per cent from the year before.