Distraction Theft

• Distraction robberies targeting senior South Asian women rising in Edmonton

  Since Aug. 19, Edmonton police said they've received at least 20 reports of distraction-style robberies involving theft of jewellery, typically targeting older South Asian women.

  Crime

  Sep 16
  
• Vancouver police warn of distraction thefts with 35 already reported this year

  Sgt. Tim Russell, with the Vancouver Police Department said the impact on victims is long-lasting with the loss of family heirlooms and their sense of safety lost.

  Crime

  Jul 28
  
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• Video captures distraction theft from an 88-year-old woman in East Vancouver

  The footage, captured on Tuesday afternoon near Kaslo Avenue and East Hastings Street, shows the senior outside her home selling Playland and PNE parking on her private property.

  Crime

  Jul 16
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• Toronto sees ‘alarming’ rise in distraction thefts, 2 women face robbery charges

  Two women are facing charges following an investigation into a February distraction theft and police say there may be more victims.

  Crime

  Jun 8
• Irreplaceable jewelry stolen from Alberta senior during distraction theft

  Ruth Patterson says in February she was on her way to the Walmart at Marlborough Mall in northeast Calgary when a man in a white SUV drove up beside her, asking for directions

  Crime

  Apr 2
• Edmontonians warn others about uptick in ‘hugging bandit’ distraction thefts

  Peggy Duby, 87, was taking her trash bin out to the curb when her necklace was stolen off her body during a distraction theft outside her Edmonton home.

  Crime

  Mar 2
• Victim of Langley distraction theft says shoplifters included children

  Georgina Williamson says three women came into her Nova & co Consignment store on Tuesday, and using distraction, stole more than $2,000 worth of merchandise.

  Crime

  Dec 12, 2025
• Jewelry theft prompts Edmonton Hindu temple to warn community

  Since May, Edmonton police say there's been dozens of reported thefts where people are approached in parking lots, driveways or the side of the road.

  Crime

  Sep 25, 2025
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• 2 cousins charged in 23 distraction thefts across Ontario

  Two cousins from Bradford, Ont., are facing more than 100 charges in connection with at least 23 distraction theft incidents across Ontario, police said Friday.

  Crime

  Sep 5, 2025
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• Alberta senior is speaking out after being victim of distraction theft

  A Calgary senior is speaking out in the hopes that others won't fall victim to the same tactics after they were the victim of a distraction theft earlier in August.

  Crime

  Aug 22, 2025