Suspicious behaviour related to pets in Kitchissippi

Yesterday, a cat named Jeremy belonging to a Hintonburg resident went missing. Residents are asked to keep an eye out for Jeremy.

Just before the cat disappeared, the owner reports some suspicious behaviour on her property. The resident notes that she saw a woman approaching Jeremy. When she asked the woman whether she could help, the woman was startled, and handed the resident a package of cat treats saying she was giving out free samples. Without providing any information at all, the woman left, and an hour later Jeremy went missing.

The woman is described as age 35-50, white, with shoulder-length brown hair in a bob, no bangs, and conservatively dressed with a light-coloured long-sleeve sweater, brown purse and hair band. She is described as having a nervous demeanour.

If you see her, please call police immediately to make a report, and send me a note as well at jeff.leiper@ottawa.ca.

Jeremy is unfortunately still missing on Sunday morning. If you see him, please drop me a line and I'll pass it on. 

On that note, there have been several reports in the past few weeks of individuals asking at the door to check residents' furnaces. Aggressive sales tactics are a problem that crops up from time to time. The Province has the following tips for residents that you should follow:

• ask for photo ID and get the name of the person and the business
• never share personal information (For example, an electricity or gas bill)
• if you ask a salesperson to leave, they must leave right away. If you feel unsafe, call local police  
• look at the company name on the salesperson’s business card and promotional material and see if it matches the company name on the proposed contract
• do not rely on a salesperson’s opinion that your water heater [or other appliance - JL] is unsafe or should be replaced
• local utility companies, municipalities, government agencies or regulatory organizations don’t send salespeople door-to-door 
• you do not have to sign a contract at that time