Waterloo Regional Police Issue Warning After Reports of Distraction Thefts

Waterloo Region, Ontario – The Waterloo Regional Police Service is alerting the public after receiving several reports of distraction theft-related incidents in the area of Pinebush Road in Cambridge, Ottawa Street South in Kitchener and Farmers Market Road in Woolwich Township.

Between December 13, 2022, and December 21, 2022, police have received five reports from victims who had been approached by unknown suspects and advising that there is an issue with their parked vehicle. The one suspect distracts the victim with the vehicle issue while the other suspect enters the victim’s vehicle and steals any purses, wallets or valuables. All five incidents have taken place in shopping plaza parking lots.

In one instance, a victim was in the parking lot of a business on Pinebush Road when an unknown suspect approached the victim and advised her that she had a thumb tack in her rear passenger tire. When the victim went to look at the tire, a second suspect opened the trunk and stole the victim’s wallet containing cash and carious credit cards.

While these fraudsters will take advantage of anyone, it appears that the suspects are targeting females over the age of 60 years.

Police would like to identity and speak to this individual in connection to one of the incidents.

Waterloo Regional Police are reminding the public to be cautious and protect themselves by following these tips:

• Be aware of your surroundings
• Shield your PIN as you make a purchase or cash withdrawal at an ATM
• If someone appears suspicious and randomly tries to engage in a conversation, pay close attention to your property
• If someone is crowding you in a checkout line, don’t be afraid to ask them to respect your space
• If you are unnecessarily bumped or crowded, be aware that a distraction theft might be occurring and check your valuables
• Keep your personal items within your eyesight while shopping, and do not leave any items unattended
• Be cautious if someone offers to help you bag or carry items you have purchased
• Report any suspicious activity to police

If you have been a victim of a distraction theft and have not yet reported the incident to police, please do so by calling 519-570-9777. If you have any information regarding any fraudulent activity, please report it to police or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.

Occ: 22-311775 (979)

Media Inquiries: 
Waterloo Regional Police Service
Public Information Unit
519-570-9777 (WRPS) ext. 8188
publicinfo@wrps.on.ca   

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