Stolen gold chain during an embrace in Guelph
In the past few months, there has been a concerning increase in distraction thefts in the Guelph and Waterloo region, particularly targeting older adults.
On August 14, two incidents were reported to the Guelph Police. In one incident, a woman in a white four-door SUV approached a victim near Starwood Drive and Watson Parkway North and handed her gold items, which were later discovered to be stolen. The women, who appeared to be in their 40s and had Middle Eastern accents, were last seen driving away on Dumbarton St. towards Waverly Dr.
In a similar incident, a young woman in the backseat of the vehicle urged an elderly woman to come closer, replacing her real 22K gold bangle bracelets with fake ones. The location of this incident was also Starwood Drive and Watson Parkway North.
The stolen bangles have a diamond-shaped pattern and are valued at $6,000. The stolen necklace, reported in a separate incident, is valued around $3,000.
The perpetrators of these thefts in the Guelph neighborhood have not been publicly identified. However, the Guelph Police are urging anyone with information to contact Constable Konrad Babol at 519-824-1212, ext. 7189, or email [email protected].
Since June, 15 incidents of distraction thefts have been reported to Waterloo Regional Police. This information could help police track down the suspects and prevent further thefts.
Waterloo Regional Police have also reported an increase in distraction thefts, with one incident involving an 86-year-old woman who was approached by a group of strangers in an older grey Dodge Caravan and was asked for directions. The thieves stole her gold necklace during the interaction.
The Guelph and Waterloo Regional Police are urging the public to take note of what the suspects looked like, the vehicle they were driving, and its license plate. They are also encouraging people to share these stories in hopes of preventing further thefts.
As the number of distraction thefts continues to rise, it is important for everyone to remain vigilant and aware of their surroundings. If you have any information regarding these incidents, please contact your local police department.
