Peel Regional Police say they have received 266 reports of distraction thefts so far this year, marking a sharp increase from just 25 reported across the region in 2024.
The new figures come just days after CTV News exclusively reported on the case of a 78-year-old Brampton, Ont., woman who police say was targeted during a distraction theft and had about $19,000 worth of gold jewerly stolen.
Police say 77 per cent of reported distraction thefts this year involved gold jewerly, while nearly 85 per cent happened between noon and 4 p.m.
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“These incidents can happen in a matter of seconds, and suspects may often rely on appearing friendly or helpful to gain the victim’s trust,” Peel police Deputy Chief Marc Andrews said.
“We also want residents to recognize these tactics, trust their instincts and create distance when something does not feel right.”
In a news release issued Wednesday, officials say distraction thefts typically involve one or more people creating a diversion while taking personal belongings from a victim.
Oftentimes, older adults are frequently targeted while alone, either outside their homes or in public spaces, police said, adding that suspects may approach victims while asking for directions, offering gifts or attempting to engage them in conversation.
78-year-old woman targeted
On Sept. 26, CTV News first revealed that officers were appealing for information about the July 28 theft involving the Brampton woman.
The incident happened while the woman was walking near Chinguacousy Road and Sandalwood Parkway West at about 6 p.m., police said, which is just a few metres away from Bovaird Drive West.
There, officials say she was approached by two women in a white SUV. One woman got out, touched the victim’s feet and hugged her, police said.
During the interaction, the suspect allegedly switched the woman’s gold necklace with a metal necklace and removed three gold bangles from her wrists.
The jewerly was worth approximately $19,000, according to police.
The woman’s son, Raghavendra Kumar, told CTV News his mother was left shaken by the incident and has stopped taking her regular walks outside.
Kumar said the jewerly also had significant sentimental value because some of it had been made by his late father, who was a goldsmith.
Peel police said investigators have reviewed CCTV footage from the incident and identified a white Chevrolet Equinox as a vehicle of interest, although its licence plate has not been identified.
Investigators are also looking into possible links between distraction thefts in Peel and similar incidents reported elsewhere in the GTA.
Children used in distraction thefts
Speaking at a news conference on Wednesday afternoon, police said suspects use various tactics to lure victims.
“We’ve seen cases where these culprits seem to work in teams where there is multiple people in a vehicle that identify a vulnerable person and approach them,” Det. Nick Arakgi told reporters.
“We’ve also seen cases where there is not only adults involved but children (in the vehicle) as well.”
Anyone with information about a distraction theft is asked to contact Peel police at 905-453-2121 x2233.
