Patio restaurant wallet theft in Markham under investigation

NEWS RELEASE
YORK REGIONAL POLICE
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Investigators with the York Regional Police #5 District Criminal Investigations Bureau are seeking public assistance to identify two suspects and are warning residents to be alert following distraction thefts in the City of Markham.

On Wednesday, Sept. 25, 2019, York Regional Police received a report of a theft that had occurred on the patio of a restaurant in the area of Highway 7 East and Woodbine Avenue.

The incident was captured on video surveillance and shows that the suspects were seated behind the victim and stole her wallet out of her purse that was slung over the back of her chair. Investigators are releasing video of the incident and appealing to the community for assistance to identify the suspects.

Suspect descriptions:

• Male, white
• Wearing Vegas Golden Knights and Toronto Maple Leaf caps

In other recent incidents of distraction-style thefts, unknown suspects approached victims unexpectedly and placed fake jewelry around their necks, wrists or fingers while stealthily removing valuable authentic jewelry that the victims had been wearing. The suspects then leave, usually in a waiting vehicle, and it is only later that the victims realize their valuable jewelry was stolen.

These suspects often target elderly or vulnerable people who they feel can be overwhelmed or confused by their unexpected approach, and they often act friendly and outgoing while distracting the victims during the thefts.

York Regional Police is reminding citizens to be cautious and protect themselves by following these safety tips:

• Be cautious engaging in conversation with strangers who approach you in public, especially if they offer jewelry or gifts or try to engage in physical touch 
• Conceal your wallet, mobile devices and valuable jewelry if it must be worn while out in public. Try to keep your bags with personal belongings within your line of sight
• Consider hiding your jewelry while walking in public then putting it on once you have reached your destination
• Try to avoid carrying large quantities of cash and be mindful of people watching you at banks or bank machines
• If you witness any suspicious people or activity, contact police immediately. We will respond to these calls
• If your credit cards are stolen, cancel them immediately
• 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 #5 District Criminal Investigations Bureau at 1- 866-876-5423, ext.7545, or call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-tips, or leave an anonymous tip online at www.1800222tips.com.

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