The Toronto Police Service would like to make the public aware of a series of distraction thefts.
On Tuesday, March 26, 2013, police responded to a theft call in the Eglinton Avenue West/Dufferin Street area.
It is reported that an elderly woman was talking in the area and jewelry stolen from her.
Police have investigated approximately 20 such similar cases of distraction thefts over the past year.
In these investigations it is reported that:
- a vehicle pulls up and a woman gets out and approaches an elderly person on the street
- a driver remains in the vehicle and, on several occasions, there has been a toddler in a childseat in the back of the car
- sometimes the woman asks directions to a doctor's office or a pharmacy
- other times the suspect asks for financial help for a funeral or assistance with a planned trip
- the woman might ask the victim if she would like to sell some of her jewelry
- the conversation ends by the suspect giving the victim a hug
- during the course of the hug, the suspect removes the victim's jewelry, necklaces and earrings, and replaces these items with pieces of a lesser value
- in many instances, the victim does not realize her possessions have been taken until hours later
If approached in this way, members of the public are encouraged to keep a distance from the person and call police.
Anyone with information is asked to contact police at 416-808-1300, Crime Stoppers anonymously at 416-222-TIPS (8477), online at www.222tips.com, text TOR and your message to CRIMES (274637), or Leave A Tip on Facebook. Download the free Crime Stoppers Mobile App on iTunes, Google Play or Blackberry App World.
On Tuesday, March 26, 2013, police responded to a theft call in the Eglinton Avenue West/Dufferin Street area.
It is reported that an elderly woman was talking in the area and jewelry stolen from her.
Police have investigated approximately 20 such similar cases of distraction thefts over the past year.
In these investigations it is reported that:
- a vehicle pulls up and a woman gets out and approaches an elderly person on the street
- a driver remains in the vehicle and, on several occasions, there has been a toddler in a childseat in the back of the car
- sometimes the woman asks directions to a doctor's office or a pharmacy
- other times the suspect asks for financial help for a funeral or assistance with a planned trip
- the woman might ask the victim if she would like to sell some of her jewelry
- the conversation ends by the suspect giving the victim a hug
- during the course of the hug, the suspect removes the victim's jewelry, necklaces and earrings, and replaces these items with pieces of a lesser value
- in many instances, the victim does not realize her possessions have been taken until hours later
If approached in this way, members of the public are encouraged to keep a distance from the person and call police.
Anyone with information is asked to contact police at 416-808-1300, Crime Stoppers anonymously at 416-222-TIPS (8477), online at www.222tips.com, text TOR and your message to CRIMES (274637), or Leave A Tip on Facebook. Download the free Crime Stoppers Mobile App on iTunes, Google Play or Blackberry App World.