$6,000 Chain Stolen in Distraction Theft

Residents are reminded to be cautious when interacting with strangers after a visitor from India had a $6,000 gold chain stolen during a distraction theft Wednesday morning.

A south-end resident called police Wednesday afternoon. She said her mother-in-law in her 60s was out for a walk shortly after 11 a.m. when she was approached by a couple near the intersection of Goodwin Drive and Laughland Lane.

They engaged her in conversation and gave her a $20 bill. The suspects also hugged her, at which time they removed her gold chain and replaced it with a fake one. The victim did not realize what had happened until she got home.

The couple were described as being in their 40s with fair skin and speaking English with a Middle Eastern accent. They were in a vehicle which was last seen on Goodwin Drive towards Victoria Road South.

The stolen chain has tremendous sentimental value as it was received as a wedding gift more than 40 years ago.

Anyone with information is asked to call Constable Sherry Pettapiece at 519-824-1212, ext. 7479, email spettapiece@guelphpolice.ca, leave an anonymous message for Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or leave an anonymous tip online at www.csgw.tips.