2 women sought by Ottawa police following distraction theft in Little Italy

Police are seeking the public for help identifying two women allegedly involved in a distraction theft that happened at a business in Little Italy earlier this month. (Ottawa Police service/ handout)

The Ottawa Police Service is seeking the public for help identifying two women allegedly involved in a distraction theft that happened at a business in Little Italy earlier this month.

Police say the two suspects entered a store in the 900 block of Somerset Street West, near Preston Street, around 4:15 p.m. Feb. 3. One of them distracted the employee at the desk by starting a conversation, while the second stole an amount of cash, police say. Both suspects then drove away with the undisclosed amount of cash.

The first suspect is described as approximately 30-40 years of age, black hair, and an olive skin tone. She was wearing a black coat with a white scarf, at the time of the incident. Police note that she spoke Italian when she was distracting the employee.

Suspect number two is described as approximately 50-60 years of age, black hair, and an olive skin tone. She was wearing an off-white hooded vest, black purse with shoulder strap, and Ugg style boots, at the time of the incident.

The vehicle is described as a grey 2015 Jeep Compass, without front licence plate. Police say the vehicle could be from Quebec.

Anyone with information about these two women is asked to contact police at 613-236-1222, extension 5166, or leave a tip anonymously at crimestoppers.ca.