Distraction Theft Incidents Reported Hours Apart in Guelph

Two incidents within minutes of each other are raising concern about a growing theft tactic targeting residents. Police say the approach is deliberate, fast, and designed to catch victims off guard.

The Guelph Police Service is advising residents to remain alert to distraction thefts after two incidents Monday where jewelry was taken directly from victims during brief interactions with strangers.

Just after 1 p.m. Monday a Guelph woman in her 50s reported her necklace was stolen. She was near the intersection of Ironwood Road and Scottsdale Drive when she was approached by people in a black SUV. A female passenger attempted to give the victim gifts and hugged her, during which the victim’s necklace was stolen. The victim realized what was happening and tried to stop it, but was shoved and the vehicle fled.

The suspect was described as a white woman in her late 20s with a slim build and wearing a white or pink headscarf. The driver was described as a male in his 40s with brown skin and a medium build. There were also two young children in the vehicle, which was a black SUV.

Minutes later a woman reported her mother, in her 80s, had been walking on Pine Ridge Drive when she was approached by a black vehicle and a female passenger engaged her in conversation. During the interaction the victim’s necklace was stolen.

The description of the suspects was very similar, except the second victim believed the woman had light brown skin.

The incidents are under investigation. Anyone with information is asked to call Detective Constable Cecilia Hudecki at 519-824-1212, ext. 7215, email chudecki@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.

Police services across Ontario have seen an increase in these distraction-type thefts. Typically older adults are approached by individuals in a vehicle and engaged in conversation, during which a female passenger will attempt to initiate physical contact by hugging or attempting to place jewelry on the victim. Afterwards the victim realizes their jewelry has been stolen.

Offenders may appear friendly, well‑spoken, or apologetic, and often try to keep the interaction moving quickly to prevent the victim from reacting.

Offenders target moments when attention is divided such as: In grocery store or mall parking lots, on sidewalks or near store entrances, while entering or exiting vehicles, when carrying groceries or other items.

Residents should be extremely cautious when approached by individuals not known to them. Try to avoid physical contact and note any identifying information, such as physical descriptions and licence plates.  (Occurrence numbers GU26022102, GU26022105)