TORONTO

The hunt is on for two women thought to be responsible for a series of distraction thefts that target elderly shoppers in the GTA.

Peel Regional Police have released surveillance video of two suspects in action — apparently picking a senior’s pocket — and they’re appealing for help from the public in identifying the pair of alleged thieves.

“The (women) target the seniors and closely watch them as they shop and make purchases in order to obtain their personal identification number from the debit and credit cards used in making their purchases,” Const. Thomas Ruttan said Friday. “The victims are then followed and distracted while their wallets are stolen.”

Once the crooks have the victim’s PIN, credit and debit cards, they head to an ATM to make cash advances and withdraw money from the senior’s accounts.

Ruttan said the distraction thefts have been occurring for months throughout the region and in the GTA.

It’s unclear how many seniors have been targetted.

But Ruttan said “more than a few” people have been victimized.

Investigators have now identified two female suspects, from security footage, believed to be behind the string of robberies.

Police have released the surveillance video in the hopes someone will recognize the women and come forward.

“We’re also hoping if there are others who have been targetted by these people that they may remember the women once they see the video,” Ruttan said.

Police say both women are of European decent.

One woman is described as 30 to 35 years old, with a medium build and long dark hair.

The other woman is described as 25 to 30 years old, with a thin to medium build and she wore a scarf and knitted toque during each theft.

Police are reminding members of the public to “ensure they conceal their PIN numbers” when making purchases with debit or credit cards.

Anyone who knows the identity or whereabouts of the suspects, or who believes they have been victimized by a distraction theft, is urged to call investigators at 905-453-2121, ext. 2233.

Tipsters can also call Crime Stoppers anonymously at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).