Guelph Police Warning of More Possible Distraction Thefts

The Guelph Police Service is warning the public to be aware of possible distraction thefts, after a south-end resident was approached by suspicious individuals Wednesday afternoon.

The man reported he was walking near Edinburgh Road South and Carrington Place just before 2 p.m. when he was called over by the occupants of a vehicle. Believing they were looking for directions he approached the car, but a female passenger leaned out and tried to put a gold necklace around his neck.

The complainant quickly stepped back from the vehicle and it left the area. Police are aware of a common tactic in which scammers place cheap costume jewelry on the victim and in the process remove the victim’s real jewelry.

The complainant described all three parties as Middle Eastern, including a male and female in their 40s and a female possibly in her 70s who was asleep in the back seat. They were driving a grey newer Mazda 6 and told the complainant they were from Kitchener.

Anyone with information about the individuals is asked to call Constable Megan Lackenbauer at 519-824-1212, ext. 7609, or email mlackenbauer@guelphpolice.ca.