Police are releasing surveillance images in hopes of identifying four suspects who used a distraction technique to steal a wallet from an unsuspecting victim in Whitby.
On Wednesday, February 13, 2019, at approximately 3:05 p.m., one of the suspects approached an unidentified elderly male who was shopping at the Talize store on Thickson Road in Whitby. The suspect took the wallet from the victim’s pocket, removed cash and then threw the wallet onto the ground. The victim picked up the wallet without realizing that money was taken. The four suspects then left the store.
The victim hasn’t reported the incident to police and investigators are looking to identify the victim of this distraction theft.
A similar incident also occurred at the Treasure Hunt in Midtown mall in Oshawa on the same date. The victim had her wallet taken from her and she found it on the store floor with cash missing. It is believed that the same suspects may be active throughout the GTA.
Suspect #1 is described as male, aged 30 to 40 and wearing a black jacket, black pants and boots.
Suspect #2 is described as male, tanned complexion, aged 35 to 45 and wearing a black coat, black pants and a grey hat.
Suspect #3 is described as male, aged 35 to 45 and wearing a black jacket with fur on the hood, dark pants and a grey toque.
Suspect #4 is described as female, aged 35 to 45 and wearing a black jacket, blue jeans, boots and a pink toque.
Images of the suspects taken from surveillance cameras are attached or can be viewed at http://www.drps.ca under Newsroom.
Investigators ask members of the community to be mindful of their surroundings at all times and always protect your 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 Det. Traynor of the Central West Division Criminal Investigations Bureau at 1-888-579-1520 ext. 1877.
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
