Durham Police investigators are asking members of the public to be mindful of their surroundings and belongings after an attempted distraction theft in Bowmanville.
On February, 28 at around 1 pm, the victim was returning to her vehicle after shopping at a grocery store on Longworth Avenue when she was approached by an unknown male asking for directions to Bowmanville hospital. The victim provided directions, and entered her vehicle. The same male approached the vehicle again, advising he was a mechanic and could tell there was an issue with the back tire, said a police media release.
The victim exited the vehicle to inspect her tire and noticed another male opening the passenger door. The victim saw the second male trying to take her purse but managed to yank it free and the male’s fled on foot before entering a small dark car, it said.
The first suspect is described as male, 5’6 with a tanned complexion, scruffy and wearing a face mask and dark clothing. He spoke with an accent. The second suspect is male, 5’6, and clean shaven. He was wearing a face mask and dark clothing.
Investigators ask members of the community to be mindful of their surroundings at all times and always protect your valuables. Fraudsters can be persuasive and if someone appears suspicious, don’t engage them in conversation.
Anyone with information about this type of incident is asked to call DRPS at 1-888-579-1520.