Police Searching for Masked Thieves in Distraction Theft Outside Bank

The Guelph Police Service is investigating and warning the public after a woman almost became a victim of distraction theft outside a bank Tuesday afternoon.

Shortly before 4 p.m. the victim in her 60s called police. She had just left a bank near Eramosa Road and Stevenson Street North and placed her purse in the car when she saw a man standing near the back of her car. He yelled that there was something wrong with the car and pointed at some wires hanging down.

While the complainant went to look at the wires she saw a second man enter the vehicle and grab the envelope of cash she had just withdrawn.

The caller chased the males through the parking lot and found the envelope of cash on the ground.

Both males were described as possibly Middle Eastern. One was in his 40s, approximately 5’4” with a large belly and wearing a white t-shirt. The second was in his 20s, 5’10” wearing a baseball cap and black medical mask. They left the area in a white SUV.

Anyone with information is asked to call Constable Jessica Belcastro at 519-824-1212, ext. 7287, email jbelcastro@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.