(Ottawa) The Ottawa Police Service is asking the public for assistance in identifying the suspects of a distraction theft incident that occurred on April 3, 2014 in the parking lot of South Keys.
At approximately 5:00-5:30pm, a woman returned to her car and a male approached her and told her she had a flat tire on the rear passenger side of her car.
This male had a small compressor with him and offered to put air in her tire. Since the tire had a cut in it, the male was not able to put air in it. The male left, leaving the compressor behind, stating he would return soon. He never returned.
The woman soon noticed her purse was missing.
The male is described as a Caucasian male, possibly of Italian descent, 45-60 years old, and he spoke poor English. He was poorly dressed, wearing a black jacket and hat (no picture available).
A short time later, a female attempted to use the victim’s debit card at a bank machine in the area. Images of the female were captured on security video and are available (see attached photos). She is described as a female of Middle Eastern descent, 5’3†to 5’5†tall (160-165cm), average build with long brown hair.
People are also reminded that, should they be in a similar situation, to keep an eye on their property and contact police should they suspect the persons involved may be attempting a distraction fraud or theft.
Anyone with information about the male and the female suspect in this matter is asked to call Ottawa Police East District Investigation, Detective Stephen Plummer at 613-236-1222 ext. 3415 or phone Crime Stoppers at 613-233-8477 or 1-800-222-8477.