Residents of the Glebe often say that it’s a very safe place, a good place to raise your kids – a clean neighbourhood of stately homes, giant shade trees, beautiful gardens. A community considered by many to be one of the safest in a safe city.

But in recent months, post-pandemic, there are hints of change. Ottawa police statistics for 2023 for Capital Ward, of which the Glebe is a part, show a 54.8 per cent increase in non-violent crime, from 3,977 to 6,157. Anecdotal reports of increased petty theft and bike thefts in the neighbourhood are showing up on the Glebe “Being Neighbourly” Facebook page. Strollers and wagons that used to be left unattended are now more often locked. Along with messages about lost cats or found keys, we see more Facebook posts about stolen property and neighbours’ grassroots efforts to return items to their rightful owner.

What has been your experience?

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