Ottawa police are turning to the public for help as their investigation into a series of coordinated merchandise thefts in the city's west end continues. While authorities have successfully identified one individual connected to the incidents, two suspects remain at large.
Details of the West-End Theft Spree
The thefts occurred on November 23, 2025, targeting multiple businesses in a single day. According to police reports, the suspects visited stores in three specific locations: the 1700 block of Carling Avenue, the 300 block of Richmond Road, and the 600 block of Eagleson Road.
In each instance, the individuals allegedly concealed stolen items within their clothing before fleeing the area. The Ottawa Police Service initially sought the identities of three women, issuing a news release on December 10. In a subsequent update on December 16, 2025, police confirmed one suspect had been identified but renewed their appeal for information on the two others.
Descriptions of the Unidentified Suspects
Police have re-released photos and detailed descriptions of the two women they are still trying to identify.
Suspect 1 is described as a woman between 35 and 40 years old, standing approximately 5-foot-8 to 6 feet tall and weighing around 170 pounds. At the time of the thefts, she was wearing a light grey hijab, a long grey winter coat, and was carrying a black purse.
Suspect 2 is believed to be 30 to 35 years old with long, dark hair and weighs approximately 180 pounds. She was seen wearing a long black dress under a long black puffy jacket.
How the Public Can Assist the Investigation
The Ottawa Police Service is urging anyone with information to come forward. Detective Jennifer Brazeau of the West Criminal Investigations unit is leading the case and can be reached at 613-236-1222, extension 2106.
For those wishing to provide information anonymously, tips can be submitted to Crime Stoppers by calling 1-800-222-8477 or visiting their website at crimestoppers.ca. Any detail, no matter how small it may seem, could be crucial to advancing the investigation.
This appeal underscores the ongoing challenge retailers and police face with organized theft and highlights the importance of community cooperation in solving local crimes.
