Amid rising crime levels in Barrhaven, a petition has been started by a local council candidate to get more police resources in the growing community. 

Jay Chadha, who’s running for council in ward 3 – Barrhaven West, says while he has been canvassing in the community, he’s hearing a common concern at the doors: crime. 

In 2021 Barrhaven West reported a crime spike of 20.7 per cent, more than any other ward in Ottawa. That has included increased car break ins, thefts, and other illegal acts. 

Chadha started the petition after meeting Cobble Hill residents Kiranpal Singh and Ranjit Dhaliwal, who had their car stolen out of their driveway a few weeks ago. They caught it on their home security cameras, but when they called police, they were told only to report it to their insurance. No police report was ever taken and the footage was never reviewed. 

“It’s unacceptable that when someone calls Ottawa Police to say they have proof of a crime being committed, they don’t even follow up or review the footage,” Chadha told the Barrhaven Independent. “Not only does it mean criminals are getting away with these acts,it also means people’s confidence in the Ottawa Police is declining. We have many really great police officers in Ottawa, but we need to ensure that when calls come in, they are dealt with.”

When Singh and Dhaliwal followed up with police, they said nothing could be done, according to Chadha. They are only entitled to a rental car for 30 days and insurance companies are facing months long delays due to the May long-weekend storms. New car shipments are also backed up three to four months due to supply chain issues.