Durham Regional Police Service (DRPS) have issued an alert about distraction thefts targeting victims with jewelry.
Since February, police have have seen a concerning trend of “jewelry swap” distraction thefts across Durham Region.
How the Thefts Occur:
- Suspects usually work in pairs or trios, often using a vehicle with both a driver and passenger.
- Victims are approached while walking, gardening, or sitting outside their homes—often while alone or with a child.
- A suspect distracts the victim by pretending to be lost, distressed, or offering a ‘gift’ of gold jewelry.
- During the interaction, suspects make physical contact and discreetly replace the victim’s real jewelry (necklaces, rings, bangles, watches, chains) with fake items.
What You Can Do:
- Be cautious if approached by strangers offering unsolicited gifts or jewelry.
- Keep valuables out of sight when in public.
- Stay alert during unexpected or unusual interactions.
- Report any suspicious activity immediately to police.
“These incidents are subtle, calculated, and often difficult to detect in the moment. Awareness and caution are the best defenses,” police advised.