Durham Regional Police Service (DRPS) is warning the public about an ongoing jewelry distraction theft scam.
Suspects will approach victims in a public place and pretend to ask for directions, or make conversation. They may ask victims to pray with them and then offer a gift. The suspects will get close and put fake jewelry around the victim’s neck, or slide a ring onto the victim’s fingers when shaking their hand. During this embrace, the suspects will remove real jewelry that the victim is already wearing. The suspects will then flee the area before the victim realizes their property has been stolen, said the police.
Anyone who encounters individuals acting suspiciously in this manner are encouraged to contact police immediately and record any important details such as vehicle licence plates, clothing descriptions, and directions of travel.
Suspects Sought in Jewelry Distraction Theft
Police are requesting the public’s assistance in identifying three suspects involved in a jewelry distraction theft.
On Wednesday, October 1 at about 3:35 pm, three suspects driving a 2025 white Jeep Grand Cherokee, approached the victim in the area of Simpson Avenue and Hobbs Drive, in Bowmanville.
The suspects stopped their vehicle near the victim’s home and asked for directions, stating they did not know the area. The suspects made conversation about religion before stating they wanted to pray with the victim.
The suspect male, who was driving the Jeep, held the victim’s hand, placing a ring on his finger as a gift. A female suspect exited the vehicle to hug the victim, while placing a chain around his neck as a gift. The suspects then left the area. The victim subsequently realized that the suspects had stolen his real jewelry before fleeing the area.
The first suspect (driver) is described as: Brown, male, 40-50 years-old, with a moustache and facial hair.
The second suspect (passenger) is described as: Brown, female, 40-50 years-old. She was wearing a pink headscarf.
The third suspect (passenger) is described as: Brown, 14-18 years-old.
Anyone with cellphone, dashcam, surveillance footage, or information about this incident is asked to contact D/Cst. Kapeluk of the East Division Criminal Investigations Branch at 1-888-579-1520 ext. 1636.
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