By Staff
March 17th, 2022
BURLINGTON, ON
The Halton Regional Police Service (HRPS) is seeking the public’s assistance in identifying a group of suspects in a series of purse and wallet thefts that have taken place throughout Halton.
Between April 2021 and March 2022 there have been 16 thefts involving a group of six different suspects (see attached photos) identified by police.
The suspects typically target older adults in retail and grocery stores throughout the region.
In many cases the victim’s personal identification number were also stolen, and the tap functions of their financial cards were used to make fraudulent purchases.
Men this size can frighten older seniors – what can the supermarkets do to provide a safer environment.
The suspects have been working in pairs and distracting their victims while shopping. One suspect will engage the victim in conversation while the other steals a wallet and/ or purse. In some instances, the older adult’s vehicles are also entered while one suspect distracts the victim by loading their groceries.
Working in teams these thieves would stalk and then steal from people who believe they are safe in a supermarket.
One distracts – the other steals
The estimated total losses of these 16 occurrences totals more than $25, 000.
Anyone with information regarding this investigation is asked to contact Detective Constable Derek Gray of the 3 District Criminal Investigations Bureau at 905 825-4777 ext. 2344 or via email at Derek.gray@haltonpolice.ca.
Tips can also be submitted anonymously to Crime Stoppers. “See something? Hear something? Know something? Contact Crime Stoppers” at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS) or through the web at www.haltoncrimestoppers.ca.
