An 86-year-old Pickering resident was a recent victim of a distraction theft where he had his gold jewelry taken and was given fake gold. Another 74-year-old Whitby resident also was victimized in a similar incident in July.
On Tuesday, September 3, 2019, the victim was seated outside his residence near Altona Road and Pine Grove Avenue in Pickering when an unknown vehicle pulled up to his driveway. The couple gestured the elderly male to come to the vehicle. The elderly male reluctantly approached the car and this was when the driver gave him what appeared to be gold jewelry. The female passenger then got out of the vehicle and hugged the victim. The female got back into the vehicle and they drove away. The victim later realized that he had his gold pendant stolen and the jewelry left by the suspects was fake jewelry.
Another incident occurred on Sunday, July 7, 2019, at approximately 2:15 p.m., the victim was walking on Pringle Drive in Whitby when a couple in a vehicle approached him and the couple asked him for directions. The female was very grateful and exited the vehicle to give him a hug. The couple then drove away. The elderly male realized later that he had his gold necklace stolen.
There is nothing to indicate that these incidents are related at this point, but are very similar in nature.
In the first incident, the suspects are described as a male and female possibly European and the vehicle can only be described as a sedan.
The second incident the suspects are male and female, possibly European and the vehicle is described as being silver and it had a baby seat in the rear.
In these two specific cases seniors are being targeted, however fraudsters are also targeting all demographics. 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. The Durham Regional Police Service would like to remind the public to be vigilant of their personal safety in all surroundings.
Anyone with information about this type of incident is asked to call DRPS at 1-888-579-1520.
Anonymous information can be sent to Durham Regional Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or online at www.durhamregionalcrimestoppers.ca 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
