Police are releasing surveillance images in hopes of identifying five suspects who are using distraction techniques to steal bank cards and credit cards from wallets from unsuspecting victims in Durham Region.
Between December 22, 2018 and January 18, 2019, the five suspects are responsible for five reported distraction thefts within the region. These suspects committed the thefts at Walmart stores in the region. The suspects would use “shoulder surfing” to steal pin numbers and later outside the store, they would distract their victims and while the victim is distracted, they steal their wallets from them. The suspects then used the stolen bank cards and credit cards to make purchases and cash withdrawals.
The suspects are all described as males, aged 30 to 40 years. See attached photos.
Images of the suspects taken from surveillance cameras are attached or can be viewed at www.drps.ca under Newsroom.
Investigators ask members of the community to be mindful of their surroundings at all times and always protect your pin numbers and valuables. Fraudsters can be persuasive and if someone appears suspicious, don’t engage them in conversation.
Anyone with new information about this investigation is asked to contact D/Cst. Azzano of the West Division Criminal Investigations Bureau at 1-888-579-1520 ext. 2526.
Anonymous information can be sent to Durham Regional Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) and tipsters may be eligible for a $2,000 cash reward.
Author: Pete Fisher
Has been a photojournalist for over 30-years and have been honoured to win numerous awards for photography and writing over the years. Best selling author for the book Highway of Heroes - True Patriot Love
