Two women and a man from Mississauga have been charged in connection with a series of distraction thefts targeting elderly victims in southern Ontario, Waterloo Regional Police say.
The latest incident occurred on Friday, prompting police to respond to a store near Erb Street West and Fischer-Hallman Road after an employee recognized two women suspected of involvement in similar thefts.
Distraction Theft Tactics
According to investigators, one of the suspects distracted an elderly victim while the other stole items from the victim’s purse. Police arrested the two women on-site and found several bank cards, credit cards, and cell phones during the investigation.
A male accomplice, identified as the getaway driver, was located in a vehicle parked nearby. He was also arrested, and the vehicle was impounded.
The suspects, identified as a 34-year-old female, a 56-year-old female, and a 38-year-old male, face the following charges:
- Two counts of theft under $5,000
- Unauthorized use of a credit card
The male suspect was additionally charged with breach of probation.
Police say the investigation is ongoing, and additional charges may be laid as they gather more evidence.
Authorities are urging anyone with information about these thefts to contact the Waterloo Regional Police at 519-570-9777 ext. 6370. Anonymous tips can be submitted to Crime Stoppers by calling 1-800-222-8477 or visiting www.ontariocrimestoppers.ca.
Crime Stoppers guarantees anonymity, requires no court testimony, and offers a potential reward of up to $2,000 for information leading to an arrest.