Peel Regional Police say distraction thefts are spiking within the area, citing a latest case involving a lady being robbed of $19,000 in jewellery for example.
Police stated in a information launch Wednesday that incident occurred on July 28. Round 6 p.m. that day, a lady was strolling within the space of Chinguacousy Highway and Sandalwood Parkway West when she was approached by two ladies in a white SUV.
One of many ladies exited the car, touched the sufferer’s toes and hugged her. Throughout the interplay, the suspect switched the sufferer’s gold necklace with a metallic necklace and eliminated three gold bangles from her wrists, police stated.
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No suspect info was made accessible. The investigation stays ongoing.
To this point this 12 months, Peel Regional Police stated it’s obtained 266 studies of distraction thefts as of Aug. 12, a rise from 222 in 2025 and 25 in 2024.
Investigators are attainable hyperlinks between incidents in Peel and related thefts reported in different elements of Ontario.
“These incidents can occur in a matter of seconds, and suspects might usually depend on showing pleasant or useful to achieve the sufferer’s belief. Investigators throughout the area are dedicated to figuring out these accountable and holding them accountable,” stated Deputy Chief Marc Andrews in a press release.
“We additionally need residents to acknowledge these ways, belief their instincts and create distance when one thing doesn’t really feel proper. If somebody approaches you and one thing feels uncommon, create a ways, shield your belongings and stroll away. Environmental consciousness is vital.”
Anybody with info is requested to contact police.
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