Suspects to identify in attempted Alta Vista area distraction theft

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Wednesday, April 1, 2026   9:00 a.m.

(Ottawa) — The Ottawa Police Service (OPS) is seeking the public’s assistance in identifying three suspects involved in a distraction theft investigation.

On March 27^th at approximately 6:40 p.m., the two female suspects approached a senior citizen in the Alta Vista/Smyth Road area and attempted to remove a necklace from their neck.

The suspects left the scene in a dark-coloured 2011 – 2014 Ford Edge.

Suspect descriptions

• Suspect 1 is described as a Middle Eastern woman, approximately 5'2" or 5'3" tall, with dark hair. At the time of the incident, she was wearing a light-coloured sweater, a light blue floral shirt underneath, a long black skirt and dark-coloured sneakers.
• Suspect 2 is described as a Middle Eastern woman, approximately 5'2" or 5'3" tall, with dark hair. At the time of the incident, she was wearing a light-coloured sweater and a long skirt or dress.
• Suspect 3, the driver of the Ford Edge, is a man with dark facial hair. At the time, he was wearing a light button-up t-shirt.

The Robbery Unit is continuing the investigation.

Contact information

Anyone with information about this incident or who has information about the suspects is asked to contact the Ottawa Police Robbery Unit at 613-236-1222, extension 5116, or email [email protected].

Anonymous tips can be submitted by calling Crime Stoppers toll-free at 1-800-222-8477 or crimestoppers.ca.

About distraction thefts

Residents are reminded to stay alert to their surroundings, particularly in parking lots and less busy areas. 

If approached by a stranger under suspicious circumstances, walk away and seek help if needed.

If you believe you’ve been a victim of, or witness to, a distraction theft and the suspect is still nearby, do not attempt to follow them. Instead, call 911 immediately and try to remember as many details as possible, including their physical description, clothing, and any vehicle involved (make, model, license plate, etc.).

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Help make your community safer: register your information and security camera location at CAMSafe.ca to support investigations.

CONTACT: 
Media Relations
Tel: 613-236-1222, ext.  5366

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