‘Despicable’ Distraction Thefts on Rise

Distraction thefts are on the rise, and police are urging the public to stay vigilant.

“Disappointing, despicable, they are targeting the most vulnerable,” said Chief Superintendent Mandeep Mann, of the crimes that often target seniors. “While distraction thefts are concerning on their own, what is even more troubling is the increasing level of violence suspects are using against their victims.”

Mann spoke at a news conference at police headquarters on September 3, about the crime trend and how people can protect themselves.

“As many of you know, major crime indicators in Toronto have gone down in 2025,” he said. “Shootings are down by 27 percent, homicides by 13 percent and auto thefts by 33 percent. The one exception is theft, which is the only major crime category in Toronto showing a year-over-year increase. With distraction thefts in particular, there have been 374 reported incidents so far this year, compared to 28 last year. And we know these crimes are often underreported.”

A distraction theft occurs when a suspect diverts a victim’s attention in order to steal something – whether it’s a phone, wallet, jewellery or other valuables. These suspects typically work in pairs, sometimes even involving children, with one person creating the distraction while the other takes the property.

In most cases, he said suspects are targeting individuals between the ages of 60 and 90 who are alone and often wearing jewelry.

“They are targeting their victims mostly through the week, in the mid-morning to mid-afternoon timeframe in commercial parking lots, on city streets and even on the victim’s property,” he noted.

Mann also pointed out that suspects often remain in vehicles and cover their licence plates, which makes identification difficult.

“Victims, primarily elderly, are often left in shock, limiting their ability to provide accurate descriptions,” he said. “Some common distraction tactics that are reported include the suspects asking for directions, pretending to need help, starting an argument or causing a scene, spilling something on the victim, offering to sell or gift jewelry or asking the victim to pray with them.”

Mann showed two videos demonstrating distraction theft in action. 

In one of them, the victim standing in a commercial parking lot is approached by a vehicle. The suspect strikes up a conversation, asking for directions to a nearby store and says it is her birthday, which in her culture means she should give a gift.

The suspect hands the victim a ring and leans in for a hug, placing their arms around the victim’s neck. When the vehicle drives away, the victim realizes their necklace is missing.

In the other scenario, the suspect asks for directions to the nearest mosque and tells the victim to pray for his sick mother. The suspect then begins putting rings and necklaces on the victim who attempts to cover his own necklaces with his right arm.

The suspect grabs the victim’s arm, pulls the victim’s necklace off his neck and attempts to grab his watch. A struggle ensures and the suspect drives off, dragging the victim along.

“These suspects prey on the politeness and helpfulness that Canadians and Torontonians are known for,” said Mann.

To combat the rise in distraction thefts across the city, 42 Division in the east and 23 Division in the west will be working together to lead targeted investigations into these crimes.

“As a part of this collaboration, there will be increased patrols in commercial, residential, and high-traffic areas and targeted education in settings frequented by seniors,” added Mann. “Toronto Police takes these instances of distraction theft very seriously and will work to identify links and prosecute those responsible for committing these crimes which target vulnerable people in our city.”

How to protect yourself

The Service is asking the public to take simple precautions to avoid becoming a victim:

• Stay aware of your surroundings, especially in crowded or high-traffic areas
• Keep purses, backpacks, and bags zipped up and close to your body
• Be cautious if approached by strangers with odd or overly engaging behaviour
• Avoid placing valuables on tables or hanging bags on chairs in public places
• Remember: if someone is close enough to put a necklace on you, they’re too close