Police Seeking 2 Women who Exploited Vulnerable 19-Year-Old

The Guelph Police Service is attempting to identify two women who took advantage of a vulnerable man who was trying to help them.

On Monday afternoon officers were called to a plaza near Edinburgh Road South and Stone Road West. Investigation revealed a 19-year-old man, who has intellectual challenges, had been leaving Walmart when he saw two women with a sign asking for help with money for groceries.

The three entered the store, where the women collected more than $200 in clothing which the man paid for. The women then asked for cash and took the man to a nearby bank, where he withdrew $1,000 and gave it to them. They then went to another store where the man bought groceries and gift cards totaling more than $500.

The women asked for more cash, but when the man tried to withdraw it he had reached his withdrawal limit. He called his mother for assistance and she told him it was a scam.

The mother attended and confronted the women, who were still in their area. Most of the property was recovered.

The suspects were described as being approximately 30 with tanned skin and medium builds. One had red hair in a bun and a long black puffy coat while the other had dark hair in a bun and was wearing a pink and black jacket.

Anyone with information is asked to call Constable Matt Simpson at 519-824-1212, ext. 7318, email msimpson@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.