Two ladies are going through expenses following an investigation right into a February distraction theft, and Toronto police say there could also be extra victims.
Police responded to reviews of a theft within the Finch Avenue West and Woodbine Downs Boulevard space on Feb. 21.
Officers say the sufferer was seated in her automobile when she was approached by two ladies. She was handed a faux iPhone and counterfeit jewellery.
Police allege the suspects then forcibly eliminated gold chains from the sufferer’s neck. She sustained minor accidents throughout the incident.
The suspects then fled the scene.
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They now face expenses of theft with violence and conspiracy to commit a abstract offence. One lady can also be going through a cost of assaulting a peace officer.
Supt. Ron Taverner mentioned the 2 suspects are usually not Canadian residents, including they might face jail time and deportation.
He mentioned they’re additionally believed to have carried out thefts in Halton, Hamilton and Montreal and, consequently, are needed in numerous jurisdictions.
Distraction thefts on the rise
Toronto officers say they’re cracking down on an “alarming” rise in distraction thefts as town prepares to see tons of of 1000’s of holiday makers for the World Cup.
Taverner mentioned police can’t be all over the place, and that individuals have to be cautious about holding on to their belongings.
“These persons are amazingly good at what they do,” he mentioned.
Etobicoke North Coun. Vincent Crisanti mentioned perpetrators are sometimes focusing on weak communities, with a selected emphasis on seniors.
He mentioned a perpetrator might method in a pleasant method earlier than the theft try happens.
“It’s actually alarming that it occurs that shortly,” he mentioned.
Toronto Police Service says town noticed 28 distraction thefts in 2024. In 2025, that quantity exploded to 374.
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