Distraction Theft

• Vancouver police’s billboard on distraction theft already vandalized

  Anti-police graffiti was sprayed over the original message on the billboard, which read, "Be cautious of strangers getting close or asking for help."

  Crime

  Jul 26
• Vancouver police launch campaign to warn public of distraction thefts

  Heer said 54 distraction thefts have been reported to police this year, already surpassing last year's total of 52.

  Crime

  Jul 20
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• Vancouver woman speaks out after distraction thief steals irreplacable heirloom

  The woman says the swindler made off with her husband's necklace, the only memento he had from before fleeing Vietnam nearly half a century ago.

  Canada

  Apr 1
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• Security camera catches Vancouver senior robbed in distraction theft

  An 83-year-old woman was walking home on Sept. 25 around noon when a grey Ford Escape pulled over, backed up a bit and a woman inside the car called her over.

  Crime

  Oct 1, 2020
• Alberta police warning of gold scams, distraction thefts across province

  Police said scammers will approach people in parking lots or busy roadways and will try to sell them fake gold while attempting to steal valuables from the victim.

  Crime

  Jul 9, 2020
• ‘I was fooled’: Victim of Guelph distraction theft and police issue warning

  Guelph police say a woman's wallet was stolen out of the passenger seat after someone pointed out her vehicle was leaking fluid.

  Crime

  May 29, 2020
• Vancouver police warn ‘distraction thefts’ targeting seniors are back

  Police say they're investigating a string of "distraction thefts" believed to be linked to an organized crime group.

  Jan 31, 2020
• Toronto police attach bells to wallets in bid to prevent distraction thefts during holidays

  2019 marks the third year Operation Jingle is taking place in 41 Division.

  Crime

  Dec 19, 2019
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• Man appears to steal woman’s wallet, put it down his pants in Markham distraction theft video

  The video appears to show one of the men turn around and take the woman's wallet out of her purse which was slung over the back of her chair.

  Crime

  Oct 25, 2019
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• Trio used ‘sleight of hand’ to steal Burlington woman’s credit card: police

  The alleged thieves ran up close to $3,000 on the 73-year-old victim's card.

  Crime

  Sep 11, 2019