Law Enforcement Warning: Beware of ‘Distraction’ Thieves Targeting Canadians
Police authorities are cautioning the public to be vigilant when approached by strangers seeking hugs or sharing emotional stories, following the arrest of three individuals involved in a series of “distraction” thefts across Canada.
Since May, Edmonton police have received over 63 reports of individuals falling victim to theft while being distracted by criminals. Last week, three women were charged with theft in connection to the scheme, with warrants issued for three more suspects believed to be part of the operation.
According to Edmonton police Const. Shiva Shunmugam, the suspects are linked to similar theft incidents spanning from British Columbia to Toronto, indicating a widespread criminal network operating Canada-wide.
The modus operandi of these thieves is deceptively simple yet effective. Operating in groups that appear as families, they engage vulnerable individuals in places like grocery stores and parking lots, initiating conversations and even seeking physical contact like hugs or blessings with jewelry. In the midst of these interactions, the perpetrators swiftly steal the victim’s valuables and make a quick escape in vehicles often bearing license plates from provinces such as British Columbia, Ontario, or Quebec.
This alarming trend has been observed coast to coast, with reported incidents of distraction thefts targeting vulnerable seniors in British Columbia, Ottawa, Winnipeg, and Edmonton. Victims have recounted feeling emotionally traumatized and violated by the thieves’ exploitation of their trust.
The involvement of the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) in the investigation is linked to the suspects’ claims of protected status, granted to those deemed in need of refuge or protection from persecution in their home countries. While the suspects exhibit a strong connection, law enforcement has not confirmed whether they are biologically related.
Edmonton police emphasize the transient nature of these criminal groups, making it challenging to track and apprehend them swiftly. As a precaution, individuals are urged to maintain personal boundaries and refrain from engaging with overly friendly strangers attempting to invade their personal space.