Durham police are hoping to burst the bubble of a thief responsible for more than $5,000 worth of chewing gum thefts across the Greater Toronto Area.

Investigators say the woman enters large grocery stores, fills her shopping cart with boxes of gum, covers the packages with store flyers and then walks out without paying.

Incidents have been reported in Durham, York Region and across southern Ontario.

Police say the culprit has stolen more than $5,000 worth of the candy during her recent crime spree.

The suspect is described as white, between 40 and 50 years old, 5-foot-4 and weighing between 130 and 150 pounds. She has shoulder-length brown hair and has been spotted fleeing in a new model red Chevrolet Cavalier.

Anyone with information is asked to call Det. Const. Beth Richardson at 905-579-1520 ext. 2530 or Durham Region Crime Stoppers anonymously at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).