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Be wary of pickpockets, York Regional Police warn, as distraction thefts rise (VIDEO)

3 people have been arrested in the wake of thefts of wallets, cellphones from mostly female shoppers
NewmarketToday Staff

NEWS RELEASE
YORK REGIONAL POLICE
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York Regional Police would like to remind citizens to be cautious when engaged by strangers in public places following an investigation and charges laid into a number of recent distraction thefts in the City of Vaughan.

From fall 2021 into early 2022, officers received an increase in theft reports occurring at shopping locations in Vaughan. The majority of the incidents had female victims who were shopping between the hours of 3 and 7 p.m.. The suspects stole mainly cellphones and wallets by distracting the victims and then pickpocketing their valuables.

Through the investigation, officers identified several suspects. Three people have been arrested and are now facing charges. The investigation is ongoing. York Regional Police is urging any additional victims of this type of theft to please come forward.

A video of these thefts is available for viewing at the following link: https://youtu.be/sWPYByJpxiM

York Regional Police is reminding residents to be cautious and protect themselves from distraction thefts by following these tips. 

  • Always be alert and be aware of the actions people around you 
  • Keep your valuables in safe and secure locations that would be difficult for someone else to access without your knowledge 
  • Call police immediately if you witness any suspicious people or activity 
  • Criminals are opportunists. Don’t give them the opportunity to make you a victim of crime

Anyone with information is asked to contact the York Regional Police #4 District Criminal Investigations Bureau at 1-866-876-5423, ext.7441, or call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-tips, or leave an anonymous tip online at www.1800222tips.com.

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