Incident Overview

On September 11, 2023, a harrowing theft incident targeting an elderly woman unfolded in the Loblaws parking lot located in College Square, Ottawa. Madeleine Gervais, an unsuspecting senior, was approached by a man and a woman who feigned kindness by offering to assist her with loading groceries into her vehicle.

While one of the suspects distracted Gervais, the second thief stealthily rummaged through her backpack, making off with her wallet without her noticing. Gervais later recounted her experience, saying, “I didn’t think anything of it at the time; I thought they were simply being nice.” However, her perception changed dramatically the next day, when she discovered multiple fraudulent transactions amounting to nearly $10,000 across her credit and bank accounts.

Immediate Aftermath

“I rushed to the bank, and it was confirmed—money was taken from both my personal and business accounts, not to mention my credit card,” Gervais stated, clearly distressed. “All my personal information was in that wallet, including my social insurance number, health card, driver’s license, and other important cards.”

Struggles with Reporting the Crime

Although Gervais is currently in a process of getting reimbursed, she is furious about the significant loss of cash and the stress of potential identity theft, and she demands accountability from the police to apprehend the culprits.

The following day, her daughter, Valerie Gervais, tried to file a report with the Ottawa Police Service after realizing the severity of the situation. What should have been a straightforward process quickly turned frustrating. After waiting 40 minutes on the hotline, they were instructed to file the report online—only to be met with further delays and a lack of follow-up from the police.

“It was infuriating,” Valerie explained. “I detailed everything stolen and mentioned that my mother is visually impaired. After a week went by without any response, I reached out again, just to be told we needed individual reports for each card. We complied, but still heard nothing—until my mom forwarded me an email saying, ‘we may or may not investigate your case.’”

Family's Response and Public Support

The family finally decided to take their frustrations to social media, sharing their experience and receiving overwhelming support from others who faced similar situations. “It became clear that many people felt ignored by the police,” Valerie noted. “We just want justice; it's disheartening to think these thieves might get away with this.”

Police Response

In response to inquiries from CTV News, the Ottawa Police initially mixed Gervais' case up with another. After clarification, an investigator finally connected with the family, but for Gervais’ daughters, a growing sense of distrust and frustration about police responsiveness permeates their feelings. “I can get a speeding ticket without a problem,” Christine Gervais said. “But when it comes to serious crimes like this, the lack of urgency is shocking.”

Community Concerns and the Way Forward

The Ottawa Police acknowledged the challenges they face, stating that countless similar cases are backlogged. “We understand that these incidents can be distressing for all involved, and we thank them for their patience,” a police spokesperson remarked, assuring that the investigation remains open.

This alarming incident has sparked conversations about elderly safety in public spaces, as well as concerns over police efficiency when responding to theft cases. The Gervais family’s plight is a stark reminder of the vulnerabilities that many seniors face and the pressing need for effective community support and policing. Can Ottawa ensure the safety of its vulnerable citizens, or are we witnessing a systemic failure in protecting our own?