Older woman targeted in distraction theft involving 3 suspects
Posted Apr 1, 2026 12:38:16 PM.
Last Updated Apr 1, 2026 12:38:21 PM.
An intersection near The Ottawa Hospital in the Alta Vista community was the scene if an attempted theft.
According to police, they are looking for three suspects who approached an older woman at the corner of Alta Vista Promenade and Smyth Road and tried to steal the necklace she was wearing. It happened around 6:40 p.m. on March 27. In a press release, officials say that two women approached the victim.
When the attempted theft failed, they left the area in a 2011 to 2014 dark-coloured Ford Edge SUV.
The two women are described as Middle Eastern, about 5’2″ or 3 tall, with dark hair. The first suspect was wearing a pale coloured sweater over a light blue, floral-patterned shirt, a long black skirt and dark-coloured flat shoes.
The second woman was wearing a light-colored sweater and a long skirt or dress.
The person driving the vehicle is a man with a dark beard, who was wearing a light-colored polo shirt.
Thefts on the rise in Ottawa
According to data shared by the Ottawa police, all types of theft — $5,000 under and over and of a motor vehicle — rose by 28 per cent year-over-year. Officials noted that 2,700 reports have been filed as of Feb. 12, a large jump seen compared to the same period last year.
To date, police have charged 334 people in theft-related cases, with another 102 given warnings, diversions or other consequences.
Police previously warned that distraction thefts target older adults who are often out in their community. In some instances, the suspects have asked for directions and, as a “thank you,” tried to give a gift like a necklace.
In one situation, a gun was pointed at a 74-year-old who was out walking in his neighbourhood.
