A 29-year-old woman, Ashante Whittaker, has been arrested and charged by Canadian authorities over allegations that she stole purses and handbags from senior citizens in a series of targeted thefts.

The Toronto Police Service (TPS) confirmed her apprehension in a statement, stating that the suspect carried out the offences between September 1 and October 6 in the Weston Road and Lawrence Avenue West area.

According to the police, Ms Whittaker specifically targeted senior citizens who placed their purses and handbags in the upper compartments of their shopping carts. She allegedly loitered nearby and stole the items whenever the owners’ attention was diverted.

“The Toronto Police Service would like to make the public aware of an arrest made in a series of purse thefts that have occurred in the Weston Road and Lawrence Avenue West area,” the police said. 

The TPS added, “It is alleged that: Between Tuesday, September 1, 2026 and Wednesday, October 6, 2026, the accused attended various stores targeting senior citizens who would place their purses and handbags in the upper area of their shopping cart.

“The accused would then await the opportunity when the victim would turn their attention away from their belongings, take possession of the item and flee the store.”

She was arrested after law enforcement officers responded to a call about someone matching her description and was subsequently charged with four counts of theft under $5,000, two counts of unauthorised use of credit card and two counts of fraud under. 

Ms Whittaker is scheduled to appear at the Ontario Court of Justice in January 2027. 

Meanwhile, the police advised the public to take “cognizant of your belongings such as cell phones, wallets, and parcels when attending events and shopping locations where crowds are present during the holiday season.”