Warning about distraction thefts, police seek suspects

File photo of the suspect vehicle, which is described as a white Toyota RAV4. (Source: WPS)

Windsor police are looking for suspects after a recent series of distraction thefts and warning the community to stay vigilant.

Distraction theft occurs when suspects divert a person’s attention, often through conversation or unsolicited gifts, to steal their valuables.

Over the weekend, police received four reports of distraction thefts targeting jewelry.

In each incident, a man and woman in a white Toyota RAV4 approached an unsuspecting person. The female passenger initiated a conversation, offered the victim a “gift” of costume jewelry, then stole the victim’s own valuable jewelry before fleeing the scene.

Police say the thefts occurred in residential areas and retail parking lots across Windsor and Amherstburg. The victims were all people in their 70s and 80s.

Suspect descriptions

• The male suspect is described as a Middle Eastern man, approximately 30-35 years old.
• The female suspect is described as a Middle Eastern woman, approximately 25-30 years old, with dark hair and dark eyes.

Residents are reminded to be cautious when strangers begin unusual conversations or offer unsolicited gifts. If you are approached in a similar manner, please refuse the gift and report the incident to Windsor Police.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the Target Base Unit at 519-255-6700, ext. 4350. To remain anonymous, contact Windsor & Essex County Crime Stoppers at 519-258-8477 (TIPS) or online at catchcrooks.com.