Halton police are warning the public to be vigilant after receiving two reports this month of “distraction thefts” targeting seniors in Oakville.
Police say the thefts involve strangers in motor vehicles approaching older adults, making casual physical contact with them, and then offering “free jewelry” to the victim.
However, in the process of placing the “free jewelry” around the neck of the victim, police say the suspects discreetly remove the victim’s rings 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 to help them identify those responsible.
Anyone with information regarding these incidents 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 http://www.haltoncrimestoppers.ca.