Distraction Theft

• 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
  
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• 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
• 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
• Hugging bandit: Edmonton senior falls victim to distraction theft

  A 70-year-old woman fell victim to a distraction theft when a man told her she looked like his grandma and put jewelry on her. She is now too scared to leave her house alone.

  Crime

  Jul 22, 2025
• VPD say nearly $150K lost in 70 distraction thefts this year alone

  Vancouver police say they've received almost 70 reports of distraction thefts this year alone, with losses to victims amounting to $150,000.

  Crime

  Jun 5, 2025
• ‘How can she trust another stranger?’ Distraction theft shatters B.C. grandmother

  Farhan Hamid said his grandmother Bibi was targeted by distraction thieves on Monday evening, who made off with an irreplaceable piece of jewelry.

  Crime

  May 15, 2025
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• Peterborough police arrest 1 in ‘distraction theft’ of $20K in golf merchandise

  Police say three suspects were involved in a distraction theft on May 7 that led to $20,000 in merchandise being stolen. One suspect was located on May 13.

  Crime

  May 14, 2024
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• Peterborough police seek suspects in distraction thefts at north end businesses

  Peterborough police say in one incident, a man and a woman approached a senior at a business, engaged in a short conversation, and then stole the woman's wallet from her purse.

  Crime

  Apr 2, 2024