Police warn of distraction theft after Kitchener incident

Police are seeking to identify the driver and passengers of a black Volkswagen and are asking anyone with information, including dash camera or surveillance footage from the Newbury Drive area of Kitchener around the time of the incident, to contact investigators. (Source: WRPS)

Waterloo Regional Police are warning residents to remain vigilant after a distraction theft in Kitchener left a victim unknowingly stripped of a valuable piece of jewelry.

Police said the incident happened around 11:40 a.m. on Thursday on Newbury Drive in Kitchener.

Police allege two suspects travelling in a black Volkswagen stopped to ask a passerby for directions to a Portuguese grocery store. When the passerby was unable to help, the victim approached they vehicle to provide directions.

During the interaction, police said a female passenger offered the victim a gift as a gesture of thanks. She allegedly hugged the victim and placed a gold-coloured chain around the victim’s neck while also giving them a gold-coloured ring.

“During the interaction, the victim became distracted, at which time their own gold necklace was removed and replaced with the items provided by the suspects. The victim did not sustain any physical injuries,” police said in a media release. “At approximately 11:45 a.m., following the interaction, the driver abruptly reversed on Newbury Drive before fleeing at a high rate of speed. The vehicle then turned onto Rolling Meadows Drive and was last seen travelling toward Westheights Drive.”

Police are seeking to identify the driver and passengers of the black Volkswagen and are asking anyone with information, including dash camera or surveillance footage from the area around the time of the incident, to contact them.

Public safety reminder

Police said distraction thefts often involved suspects working in pairs or groups, using conversation, requests for directions or unsolicited gifts to divert a victim’s attention while valuables are stolen.

“Waterloo Regional Police have received numerous reports of distraction thefts throughout the region,” police said. “These incidents occur when suspects deliberately distract victims in order to steal valuables, often within a matter of seconds and without the victim realizing the theft has occurred until after the suspects have left.”

Police said older adults, people who are alone, those who appear distracted and individuals wearing visible jewellery are frequently targeted.

Police are advising residents to avoid allowing strangers into their personal space, decline unsolicited gifts and leave the area if an interaction feels suspicious. Anyone who believes they have been targeted is urged to move to a safe location and contact police rather than confront a suspect.