Woman, 37, wanted for Scarborough distraction theft
· Toronto Sun
Police have identified a 37-year-old female suspect wanted for a distraction theft in Scarborough last month that investigators believe targeted elderly victims.
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It was reported to Toronto Police that, on April 5 at approximately 2:20 p.m., a victim was approached by two women as he sat in his car in the Birchmount Rd. and Eglinton Ave. E. area.
According to police, the women distracted the victim by asking him for directions. While the victim was providing directions, his gold necklace was removed from his neck and was replaced with a fake gold necklace.
The women then fled in a black SUV, cops said.
Second distraction theft was attempted
Police also received a report that a victim was walking in the Ellesmere and Wye Valley Rds. area on April 17 at approximately 12:30 p.m. when a woman approached the victim and engaged her in conversation.
The woman attempted to remove the victim’s real gold chain, but was unsuccessful, cops said. The suspect then fled the area in a black SUV.
Police said Victoria Miclescu, of Toronto, is wanted for theft over $5,000 and attempted theft not exceeding $5,000.
However, there is no description of the second female suspect, cops said.
Valuables targeted during thefts
Police say distraction thefts often involve multiple individuals where the victim’s attention is diverted in order to steal something, usually valuables like a wallet, purse, phone, or jewelry. One person distracts the victim while the other or others move quickly to steal their belongings.
Often occurring in public places, cops say it’s a common tactic used by pickpockets, scam artists, and opportunistic thieves.
Anyone with information about these incidents is asked to contact police at 416-808-4100 or Crime Stoppers anonymously at 416-222-TIPS (8477).