Latest news with #distractiontheft
CTV News
2 days ago
- CTV News
Man arrested after series of distraction thefts in Nottawasaga region
Members of the OPP Central Intelligence Unit and the Nottawasaga Community Street Crime Unit (CSCU) have arrested a man in connection with a series of distraction thefts in the Nottawasaga region. According to police, a search warrant was executed on June 6 at a residence in Alliston. As a result of the investigation a 40-year-old man from Alliston was arrested and charged with theft of credit card, possession, use, or trafficking of a stolen or forged credit card, possession of property obtained by crime, laundering proceeds of crime, fraud under $5,000, and fail to comply with probation order. Police want to remind the public to be aware of their surroundings and protect their PIN codes when making purchases. Police also say if members of the pubic believe they are victims of distraction theft or have any more information regarding this investigation to contact Nottawasaga OPP.
CTV News
6 days ago
- CTV News
Ottawa police looking to identify suspects in distraction theft on Bank Street
The Ottawa Police Service is asking the public for help in identifying a man and a woman involved in an alleged distraction theft that happened last month in Alta Vista. The Ottawa Police Service is asking the public for help in identifying a man and a woman involved in an alleged distraction theft that happened last month in Alta Vista. On May 18, a woman exited a white sedan in the 1500 block of Bank Street and started to walk north towards another woman, while a man waited for her in the driver's seat, police say. The suspect then approached the victim, starting a conversation with her, claiming that she had lost her mother. When the victim became engaged in the conversation, the suspect offered her jewelry items and $5 bills then forcibly removed her gold chain and bracelet, police add. That was when the suspect ran back to the car, officers add. Both suspects are described as being between the ages of 35 and 40. The woman is described as having long black hair in a ponytail. At the time, she was wearing a black top, black and white coat, black tights, shoes and a black purse. The man is described as having black hair and a full beard. He was seen wearing dark clothing, a grey coat and a black knapsack at the time the incident happened. Anyone with information about these two suspects is asked to call police at 613-236-1222, extension 5116, or Crime Stoppers toll-free at 1-800-222-8477 to remain anonymous. The city's police service shared some tips to protect yourself: When you're in public, avoid displaying expensive jewellery Keep an eye on what's going on around you, especially in parking lots. Do not allow people you do not know to approach you or 'to place an object on you, it's a red flag.' Walk away from strangers if they approach you and seek help if need be. If you fall victim to a robbery, stay away from the suspect, do not follow them, call 9-1-1 immediately 'and try to remember as many details as possible, including their physical description, clothing, and any vehicle involved.' 'Thieves may target jewellery, but wallets, phones and purses are also at risk,' police said in a news release Wednesday.
CTV News
30-05-2025
- General
- CTV News
Warning about distraction jewelry thefts in Windsor parking lots
Windsor police cruiser at headquarters in Windsor, Ont., on Wednesday, March 20, 2024. (Melanie Kentner/CTV News Windsor) Windsor police are warning the public after two separate incidents of distraction jewelry thefts. The incidents involve a male and female suspect. During these interactions, the suspects approach unsuspecting victims in store parking lots, offer them a piece of fake jewelry as a 'gift,' then proceed to remove the victim's own jewelry. 'We are reminding everyone to be vigilant when approached by strangers offering unsolicited items or engaging in unusual conversations,' said police in a social media post. Police said if you are approached in a similar manner, refuse the gift and immediately report the incident to Windsor police. Anyone with information is asked to contact the Pawn Unit at 519-255-6700, ext. 7431. They can also contact Windsor & Essex County Crime Stoppers anonymously at 519-258-8477 (TIPS) or online at
National Post
24-05-2025
- National Post
Montreal police arrest five in distraction jewelry theft probe targeting seniors
Montreal police say they have arrested five people this week related to a number of recent distraction thefts involving seniors, the latest in a rash of similar incidents that have prompted warnings from police forces across the country. Article content Article content The issue has gained prominence in recent months, with police departments in cities like Vancouver, Calgary, Ottawa and throughout the Toronto area warning citizens about the practice earlier this year. Article content Montreal police issued a statement on Friday saying three men aged 34, 39 and 45 and two women aged 36 and 37 were arrested last Tuesday and Wednesday. Three of the accused appeared on charges of theft of less than $5,000, while the other two were released with conditions and will appear at a later date. Article content Article content Police say thieves allegedly used a false pretence to approach their would-be victim, like asking for directions, and then would offer a worthless necklace or ring as a token of appreciation. Article content 'During their interactions with the victim, they approached them to have them try on the gift and took the opportunity to steal one or more pieces of valuable jewelry worn by the victim,' Montreal police said. Article content They would then quickly leave the scene in a vehicle driven by an accomplice. Article content Article content Police forces in Canada's largest cities have reported an uptick in such crimes in 2025, particularly targeting seniors. Article content Article content Ottawa police reported similar thefts in April involving people alone in public spaces like parking lots where the would-be thief engages a victim in conversation. Article content 'These suspects are known to use charm and deception to get close, and they often target visible jewelry or personal belongings,' Ottawa police said in a statement. Article content York Regional Police — which serves several large municipalities north of Toronto _also warned the public earlier this month about the re-emergence of jewelry distraction thefts and urged residents to be cautious when speaking to strangers. Article content Montreal police say seniors should be vigilant and stay alert around all strangers, prevent physical contact and refuse any gift offered. Article content
CBC
24-05-2025
- CBC
Montreal police make 5 arrests in distraction thefts targeting seniors, jewelry
Social Sharing Montreal police say they've arrested five people in a rash of recent distraction thefts in which seniors were targeted for their jewelry. The issue has risen in prominence in recent months, with police departments across the country — including Vancouver, Ottawa and Toronto — warning citizens about the practice earlier this year. Montreal police say three men in their 30s and 40s and two women in their mid-30s were arrested last week, adding three of them appeared on charges of theft of less than $5,000 while the other two were released with conditions and will appear at a later date. Police say thieves allegedly used a false pretence to approach their would-be victim, like asking for directions, and then would offer a worthless necklace or ring as a token of appreciation. While doing so, they would allegedly steal the jewelry worn by the victim before quickly leaving the area in a vehicle.
