Worker Steps In to Stop Apparent Distraction Theft Targeting Senior

Police are warning residents after an employee stepped in to stop what appears to be another distraction-style jewelry theft targeting an older adult in Guelph. This incident highlights a pattern investigators have been tracking across Ontario involving suspects approaching seniors and using physical contact to steal valuables.

The Guelph Police Service is investigating after a retirement home employee intervened Tuesday morning to prevent a distraction theft.

The complainant explained she drives a bus to drop off senior clients. On Tuesday morning she dropped them off at Willow West Mall, but then observed one client in her 90s approaching a vehicle which had pulled over. The witness saw a woman in the car leaning out and attempting to place a necklace around the client’s neck.

Believing the woman was trying to steal the client’s necklace, the worker intervened. The woman in the car claimed her mother died recently and she was just trying to give away her jewelry before the car sped off.

The vehicle was described as a black Mazda CX5 registered to a Scarborough rental agency. The male driver and two female passengers were described as possibly Middle Eastern and all wearing dark clothing.

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.

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.

Tuesday’s incident remains under investigation. 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.