Victims are asked a question to be enticed closer to the vehicle, or the suspect will get out of the car to speak with the victim before removing their jewlery, York Regional Police said on Thursday.
Victims are asked a question to be enticed closer to the vehicle, or the suspect will get out of the car to speak with the victim before removing their jewlery, York Regional Police said on Thursday.
Jewelry distraction thefts targeting seniors are “making a comeback” as the weather warms up, York Regional police say.
The suspects tend to drive around in a car, seeking “susceptible” victims who are alone and wearing jewelry, police said Thursday in a . Victims are asked a question to be enticed closer to the vehicle, or the suspect will get out of the car to speak with the victim.
“The suspect will thank the victim by offering a gift, and in some cases, money,” officials said. “During this brief interaction, the suspect is able to remove the piece of jewelry from the victim and leaves the scene.”
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Police added several cases have involved a male driver and a woman in the passenger seat who lures the victim.聽
“Criminals are opportunists,” officers said. “Do not give them the opportunity to make you a victim of crime.”
Police say the suspects stole聽victims’聽PINs, wallets and bank cards to buy luxury items and
Investigators advise people to be cautious of strangers who approach to start a conversation or who are overly friendly while asking for directions as they move into your personal space. They also suggest keeping valuables in a place that’s difficult for anyone to access.
Anyone with information is asked to contact the York Regional Police #2 District Criminal Investigations Bureau at 1-866-876-5423, extension 7244 or anonymously at 1-800-222-TIPS.
EM
Elissa Mendes is a breaking news reporter, working out of
the Star鈥檚 radio room in Toronto. Reach her via email: emendes@thestar.ca
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