A man and woman have been arrested in connection with distraction thefts targeting older people in Vaughan.
Two suspects first failed in their robbery attempts May 29 and May 31 around 6 p.m, when they pulled up in their SUV to ask pedestrians for directions, York Regional Police said in a news release.
During the interactions, they tried to gift the victims with cheap costume jewelry by placing it on their hand or neck, police said. They used this distraction to attempt to remove the victims’ valuable jewelry. When their attempts failed, the suspects used force.
In the first instance, which occurred on Chelwood Drive, a 77-year-old man was held and dragged alongside a moving vehicle while the suspects tried to remove his jewelry. He sustained minor injuries. In the second case, which occurred on Flamingo Road, a 63-year-old woman was assaulted and sustained minor injuries.
On June 5 at 12:25 p.m., two suspects in a silver Ford Escape approached a 62-year-old man in a parking lot near Jane Street and Rutherford Road and asked for directions. After he answered, a female suspect expressed appreciation and placed a cheap necklace around his neck while deftly removing his valuable necklace. The suspects then drove away, police said.
Police were in the area and were able to arrest the suspects soon after. A search of the suspects’ vehicle led to the recovery of the 62-year-old victim’s gold necklace and seizure of a quantity of jewelry.
Through investigation, police said they have linked all three incidents to the same suspects.
Nicolae Oinescu and Isaura Alesandru, both 26 and of Toronto, are charged with two counts of robbery, as well as theft under $5,000 and possession of property obtained by crime under $5,000.
Investigators are releasing photographs of the accused as it is believed they have been active in York Region, along with other suspects, committing similar crimes. Police said there may be other victims yet to report the crime.
"Our investigators are sensitive to the fact that elderly people were targeted and realize some victims may feel uneasy talking about what happened. We are here to help and encourage them to come forward," police said.
York Regional Police is advising if you are approached by strangers in vehicles asking for directions or engaging in unexpected conversation, be wary and consider keeping a safe distance away. If you feel something suspicious or criminal is taking place, call police, they will respond.
Information can be provided by calling the York Regional Police at 1-866-876- 5423, ext. 7445. Anyone wanting to provide information anonymously can call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS or provide a tip online.
