A couple from Ontario has been charged in connection with a series of jewelry thefts targeting seniors on Canada Day.
According to a news release from Winnipeg police, the three incidents took place between 9:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m.
The first incident took place outside of a home on Berrydale Avenue and involved a woman in her 60s, as well as an unknown man and woman in a dark SUV. Police allege the unknown woman approached the victim and said the pair were new to the area and wanted to “bless their neighbours.”
According to police, the suspect allegedly hugged the victim from inside the SUV and placed a chain on her before leaving. The victim later discovered an imitation gold necklace was around her neck, and her genuine gold necklace was stolen.
The second incident took place outside of an assisted-living complex in Selkirk and involved an unknown woman approaching the victim, placing jewelry on her without consent and allegedly stealing the gold necklace she was wearing.
The third incident took place at approximately 1:30 p.m. in the parking lot of a store in the 1600 block of Kenaston Boulevard. A woman in her 80s was approached by a woman who tried to place jewelry on her; however, she was able to leave without incident. A black SUV was spotted at the scene.
The Winnipeg Police Service’s major crimes unit began investigating and believed all three incidents involved the same suspects. The SUV was found at a home in the 200 block of Ken Oblik Drive and a search warrant was executed.
Police seized cash and both imitation and authentic jewelry. Two people were taken into custody. Some of the jewelry was returned to the owners.
A 26-year-old woman and a 27-year-old man, both from Scarborough, Ont., have been charged with three counts of robbery, three counts of conspiracy to commit fraud and two counts of possession of property obtained by crime.
They were detained in custody and none of the charges have been proven in court.
The investigation continues.
