Seniors targeted in distraction thefts
Posted December 7, 2015 10:13 am.
This article is more than 5 years old.
Toronto police are asking seniors to watch out for anyone knocking on their car window.
Officers believe it’s part of a larger so-called ‘distraction’ theft, where the suspect makes off with the victim’s wallet while they’re looking under their car.
It’s happened specifically on Victoria Park Avenue between Ellesmere Road and Eglinton Avenue East, with four incidents between Nov. 18 and Dec. 2. Police believe there are other incidents that have not been reported and are asking victims to come forward.
Here’s how it works: Police believe that the suspects watch as people use their debit card, either while paying for an item or at an ATM. They then follow the victim back to their car and knock on the window, indicating there is something under the car.
Once the victim gets out of the car, a second suspect enters the car and steals their wallet, including the debit card.
The suspects then withdraw money using the stolen cards.
Police released security camera images of the suspects on Monday.
Anyone with information is asked to contact police.
