"So far there have been 374 incidents of distraction theft this year, compared to just 28 cases in the same time period last year, said Chief Supt. Mandeep Mann at a news conference Wednesday. "We know these crimes are often underreported," he said. "These suspects prey on the politeness and helpfulness of Torontonians." Distraction thefts occur when suspects distract a victim to steal their valuables, such as phones, wallets or jewelry, said Mann."
"Suspects typically target people between the ages of 60 and 90, who are alone and might be wearing jewelry, said Mann. They target victims in busy parking lots, out on city streets and even outside their homes, he said. Mann said common tactics used by suspects to approach victims include asking for directions, starting an argument, spilling something on the victim, offering jewelry or asking the victim to pray."
There have been 374 distraction theft incidents this year in Toronto, up from 28 during the same period last year. These crimes often go underreported and typically target people aged 60 to 90 who are alone and may be wearing jewelry. Perpetrators operate in busy parking lots, on city streets and outside homes, using tactics such as asking for directions, starting arguments, spilling substances, offering jewelry or requesting prayer to distract victims and steal phones, wallets or jewelry. Police are coordinating across divisions to educate seniors, increase patrols and launch targeted investigations to address rising incidents and violence.
Read at www.cbc.ca
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