Necklace stolen in Guelph distraction scheme

A women leaves a grocery store using plastic bags in Mississauga, Ont., on Thursday, August 15, 2019. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Nathan Denette

Guelph Police are investigating yet another distraction theft.

They said a man and woman were targeted on Friday afternoon as they were leaving a grocery store on Silvercreek Parkway North.

According to the victims, a male and female approached to ask directions to a unnamed church.

“During the interaction the woman got close to the female victim and was able to remove her gold necklace without the victim noticing,” a media release said.

The female suspect was described as possibly Arabic, 5’5” tall, with a heavy build and wore a hijab.

Her partner was described as a male, also possibly Arabic, 6’0” tall and wearing a lined collared shirt.

Both left in a vehicle, but no description was provided in the media release.

“Project Jetsetter”

Distraction thefts are nothing new. Hundreds of incidents have been reported over the last year across southwestern Ontario.

Police in Durham region recently noted a 268 per cent increase year-over-year in distraction-style thefts involving seniors.

“In some cases, victims may not even be aware they’ve been targeted,” Chief Peter Moreira said on June 5. “For example, suspects may approach a senior asking for directions, and then offer a hug or gift, such as a necklace, while removing the victim’s real gold jewelry and replacing it with a fake.”

Moreira made that comment at a press conference on June 5, where officials shared details of an investigation dubbed “Project Jetsetter.” Police said they uncovered a network of criminal tourists who were coming to Canada legally to commit financial crimes. More than 200 incidents were linked to the network, with a combined loss of more than $2.6 million. Police said the 46 people arrested during “Project Jetsetter” are facing a total of 1,442 criminal charges.

Another 164 arrest warrants have been issued for other suspects.

“This activity is not unique to our region,” said Det. Brad Chapman with Durham Regional Police. “We are seeing the same individuals, the same methods, and the same networks operating across the Greater Toronto Area and across Canada.”

How the scheme works

While the Guelph incident has not been linked to this group, police said thieves typically follow the same playbook.

“Typically older adults are approached by individuals in a vehicle and engaged in conversation, during which a female passenger will attempt to initiate physical contact by hugging or attempting to place jewelry on the victim. Afterwards the victim realizes their jewelry has been stolen,” they explained in a media release. “Offenders may appear friendly, well‑spoken, or apologetic, and often try to keep the interaction moving quickly to prevent the victim from reacting.”

Suspects tend to approach people who are already preoccupied in parking lots, near store entrances, while the victims are entering or exiting a vehicle, and carrying groceries or other items.

Most ask for directions and then embrace the victim, so they can slip the jewelry off their neck.

“Residents should be extremely cautious when approached by individuals not known to them,” police said. “Try to avoid physical contact and note any identifying information, such as physical descriptions and licence plates.”