After two recent incidents, Windsor Police are warning the public to stay vigilant against distraction thefts.
That's when a suspect diverts the victim's attention, often through conversation or unsolicited gifts, and steals the victim's jewelry, wallets, phones, or other valuables.
In the first incident, two women approached a man in a South Windsor parking lot, tossed costume jewelry into his vehicle, and, while he was distracted, made off with the gold chain around his neck.
The second was on Grand Boulevard. A woman was stopped by two women in a black Lincoln MKX. While one suspect engaged the victim in conversation, the other got out of the vehicle and offered her two necklaces. After placing them around the victim's neck, they forcibly removed the victim's own gold necklace.
Police don't believe the same women were involved in both incidents.
"Distraction thefts are opportunistic crimes that rely on deception and quick action by the suspects," said Constable Bianca Jackson. "We urge community members to be cautious when strangers offer unsolicited gifts or start unusual conversations. Never accept items from unknown people, and report suspicious behaviour to the police immediately."
Anyone with information about these crimes or others can call the Target Base Unit at the Windsor Police Service at 519-255-6700 ext. 4350, Crime Stoppers at 519-258-8477, or go to www.catchcrooks.com.
