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Halton Regional Police Service is investigating a recent string of distraction thefts in Halton Region, with the latest incident occurring on Tuesday, Nov. 5, 2024, in Oakville.
This latest report marks the third such theft reported in the area in recent weeks.
Police say the suspect approached an elderly woman who was walking around Lakeshore Road And Nelson Street at 2:30 p.m. The suspect then offered to show the victim a collection of fake golden jewellery, including a large gold ring, bracelet, and chain.
During the interaction, the suspect allegedly attempted to hug the victim and placed a fake gold chain around her neck. A short time later, the victim realized her own necklace had been stolen in the process.
The suspect in the Oakville incident is described as a woman between 20 and 30 years old with a heavy build.
This latest theft follows two similar incidents in the region. On Oct. 19, 2024, an elderly male in Burlington was robbed of his jewellery valued at $2,500. At the time, police say the victim parked his car at the Navy Club on Industrial Street and was approached by two suspects sitting in a vehicle.
Police say the suspect in the passenger seat of the vehicle showed interest in a gold ring the male victim was wearing and forcibly removed it from his finger. During a brief struggle, the suspect also allegedly pulled a gold chain from the victim’s neck.
In what appeared to be an unwelcome exchange, the suspects fled the scene after giving the victim two fake gold jewellery pieces.
On Saturday, Nov. 2, 2024, police another elderly victim was targeted outside a Food Basics store in Georgetown. The victim was allegedly approached by strangers offering to gift or exchange jewelry, only to realize later that their own valuables had been taken.
While the style of the theft remains consistent, police have indicated that different suspects appear to be involved in each incident.
Police ask that anyone with information on these thefts is encouraged to contact the 2 District Criminal Investigations Bureau at 905-825-4777 ext. 2216. Anonymous tips can also be submitted to Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS) or online at www.haltoncrimestoppers.ca.