Latest news with #seniorsafety
CBC
29-05-2025
- Health
- CBC
Volunteers have come together to help seniors with digital literacy
There's an app for just about everything these days, but it can be challenging to feel safe and confident with ever-changing technology as an older person. Sarah Naz, founder and executive director of Digital Seniors N.L., wants to make sure seniors can be kept safe from things like scams.
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.
