Suspect wanted in London distraction thefts

CTV News

6 days ago

London police are searching for suspects wanted in connection to distraction thefts.
On July 19 around 1 p.m., police said a woman, who was in the area of Huron Street and Vesta Road, was approached by another woman who had gotten out of an older model black four-door vehicle. The suspect, the woman who got out of the vehicle, started talking to the woman, asking for directions to a shopping centre.
When the two women were speaking, the suspect offered the victim a necklace as a thank you gift. Police said the women hugged and the suspect put the jewelry on the victim's neck.
After the suspect left, the woman saw the jewelry she was wearing was missing. The theft was reported to police.
On July 20 around 4 p.m., a woman was near Oxford Street East and Highbury Avenue North, when she was approached by a woman who was in the back passenger seat of a black Jeep Compass. The suspect asked the woman for directions to a shopping centre.
While the woman spoke, the suspect allegedly grabbed the victim's wrist and put a $100 bill in her hand, then hugging the victim to thank her. The victim told the suspect she didn't want the money.
The suspect vehicle left, and the victim then noticed she was missing her jewelry from her neck and wrist, reporting the incident to police.
Investigators are asking the public for any information they may have on the two thefts. The London Police Service believes there could be more victims.
The LPS warns of these types of scams, which sees valuable jewelry taken and replaced with imitation pieces.
You should be cautious of letting anyone into your personal space, speaking to strangers, and anyone who offers thank you gifts or rewards.
Anyone with information is asked to contact the LPS at 519-661-5670 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477. Crime Stoppers also takes online tips.