The Halton Regional Police Service is warning the public to be vigilant after receiving two reports of “distraction thefts” in Oakville during the month of July.
The thefts involve strangers (two suspects) in motor vehicles (darker four door sedans) approaching older adults who are wearing visible necklaces and rings.
The thieves strike up a conversation with the victim and make casual physical contact with them (e.g. touching a hand while paying them a compliment). The thieves then offer “free jewelry” to the victim.
In the process of placing the “free jewelry” around the neck of the victim, they discreetly remove the victim’s rings and/or necklaces, leaving the low-value, imitation jewelry in its place.
Anyone who has been victimized in this manner or by similar means is encouraged to contact Halton Police to report the encounter in order to facilitate the identification of those responsible.
Anyone with information regarding these distraction thefts is asked to contact 2 District Criminal Investigations Bureau, Detective Omar Nadim at 905-825-4747 ext. 2216. Tips can also be submitted to Crime Stoppers "See Something? Hear Something? Know Something? Contact Crime Stoppers" at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS), or through the web at www.haltoncrimestoppers.ca.