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The Halton Regional Police Service (HRPS) has issued an update, stating that more distraction thefts have been reported in the weeks since the original notice.
Follow the tips below to ensure you don’t become the next victim.
ORIGINAL (Published on Thursday, October 2nd at 12:05 p.m.)
Seniors are being targeted in an increasing amount of distractions across Halton and the Greater Toronto and Hamilton area.
The Halton Regional Police Service (HRPS) says suspects are approaching seniors in public and engage them by asking for directions or some false gesture of goodwill such as requesting prayers for a sick family member. Next, the suspect will distract the victim with hugging, or by placing inexpensive costume jewelry on them as a so-called “gift.” During this interaction, the suspects remove valuable jewelry already worn by the victim.
Burlington saw a recent spike in these thefts during September, though similar incidents have also been reported in Oakville, Milton, and Halton Hills.
Victims are most often targeted while walking in public areas and approached roadside. Suspects are typically female and will exit a vehicle to initiate contact.
The HRPS is asking residents to be vigilant and to share the following safety tips with senior family members and friends who may be at risk:
- Stay alert to your surroundings, particularly in parking lots or less busy areas
- Avoid displaying expensive or sentimental jewelry in public; keep it covered when possible
- Do not allow strangers into your personal space or allow them to touch you. If someone attempts to place an object on you, treat it as a warning sign
- If approached by a stranger under suspicious circumstances, walk away and seek help if necessary
While jewelry is the primary target, thieves may also attempt to steal wallets, purses, or phones.
“These despicable acts targeting our most vulnerable members of our community are alarming”, says Superintendent, Dave Costantini, 3 District. “The reprehensible individuals involved in this type of crime are members of travelling organized crime groups. They often utilize rental vehicles and stay in neighbouring motels and hotels. We are asking anyone, including those who work in our transportation, hospitality industry, to call police or crime stoppers if you see anything suspicious.”
If you believe you have been the victim of a distraction theft, call 911 immediately. Try to recall as many details as possible, including the suspect’s physical description, clothing, and any vehicle involved (make, model, licence plate, etc.).
Tips can also be submitted anonymously to Crime Stoppers. “See something? Hear something? Know something? Contact Crime Stoppers” at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS) or through the web at www.haltoncrimestoppers.ca.
