“Operation Jingle”, Distraction Theft Awareness December 2019

[dotr]

Toronto Police Service :: News Release #46196
"Distraction theft affects some of the most vulnerable people in our community: elderly women.

On Thursday, December 19, 2019, as part of a holiday crime prevention initiative, officers from Toronto Police Service’s 41 Division are taking a pro-active approach to help prevent the occurrence of purse and wallet distraction type thefts.

Festively named ‘Operation Jingle’, officers will be giving away little ‘jingle’ bells to female shoppers, in particular seniors, to attach to their wallets. Officers will be in the food court of Eglinton Square Mall, located at 1 Eglinton Square. These bells are a simple yet effective way of helping alert women if someone is trying to steal their wallet.

Officers will be also be speaking with shoppers and raising awareness about distraction thefts and personal safety during the busy holiday period. "

For more information, please contact Constable Mark McCabe at 416-808-4127 or at [email protected].

 

[Elainera]

Wow that's a great idea!

 

[dotr]

"Police asking people to attach a bell to your wallet or purse and if someone tries to steal it, it will make a jingling sound"

2016

 

[borndem]

Wow that's a great idea!

My words exactly -- but you beat me to it!!!

I hope just the idea of this little tattletale bell will discourage pickpockets (the smarter ones, of course) from even trying it!

 

[Elainera]

It's such a simple device, isn't it .... one of those things where you slap your forehead and say "Why didn't I think of that myself?"

 

[dotr]

Sep 4 '24

Two men sought for ATM distraction theft in midtown Toronto

Investigators are looking to identify two men wanted for a distraction theft in midtown Toronto last May.

torontosun.com

Toronto Police released these images of two men wanted for an alleged distraction theft in May. Photo by Handout /Toronto Police
''Investigators are looking to identify two men wanted for a distraction theft in midtown Toronto after police say thousands of dollars were withdrawn from an elderly victim’s bank account as well as several unauthorized purchases being made.''

According to police, the alleged victim, an 88-year-old man, was using a bank machine when the suspects entered the ATM lobby behind the victim.

Police say one suspect used the ATM next to the victim while the other distracted the victim, simulating that he was falling.

It is alleged that the victim assisted the suspect up while the other swapped the victim’s debit card from the bank machine.''

 

[dotr]

January 29, 2025

Hamilton police seek six women after variety store theft

One of the store owners was allegedly bitten by a suspect after confronting them, Hamilton police said on Tuesday.

toronto.citynews.ca

It's alleged that on Jan. 25, six female suspects entered the Flamborough store intending to steal several items, including personal items owned by the business owners. Photo: Hamilton police.
''Hamilton police are searching for as many as six women behind a recent distraction theft at a variety store that saw the owner bitten by one of the suspects.

It’s alleged that on Jan. 25, six female suspects entered the Flamborough store intending to steal several items, including personal items owned by the business owners.

Police said some women conversed with staff and made small purchases, while others attempted to select and conceal various items throughout the store. Some suspects allegedly went to the residential portion of the business and entered closets and drawers. ''

Jan 29, 2025
Hamilton Police say a family-run variety store was the victim of theft. Six women are wanted in the attempted theft that left the owner with bite marks.

 

[dotr]

(L) Veta Caldarar, 55, and (R) Flori Ciurar, 35, both of Toronto, are wanted for allegedly stealing $13,000 in merchandise from a retail store in the city's west end on Tuesday, July 15, 2025. Photo by Handout /Toronto Police

Two women wanted for distraction theft at west end retail store

The hunt is on for two women who allegedly stole thousands of dollars’ worth of merchandise from a retail store in the city’s west end.

torontosun.com

Jul 25, 2025
'The hunt is on for two women who allegedly stole thousands of dollars’ worth of merchandise from a retail store in the city’s west end earlier this month.'

'The women allegedly “distracted the store employee while they stole items from the store.”
“The total value of the stolen items is approximately $13,000,” police said in a statement released Friday'.

https://www.tps.ca/media-centre/news-releases/63595/

Unit:
14 Division
Case #: 2025-1490820
Published: Friday, July 25, 2025, 11:55 AM
The Toronto Police Service is requesting the public’s assistance locating two women wanted in a Theft investigation.
It is alleged that:

• on Tuesday, July 15, 2025, at approximately 1:30 p.m., the suspects attended a retail store in the Queen Street West and Ossington Avenue area
• the suspects distracted the store employee while they stole items from the store
• the total value of the stolen items is approximately $13,000

Investigators have identified both suspects.
Veta Caldarar, 55, of Toronto, is wanted for:

1. Fail to Comply with Undertaking
2. Theft Over $5,000
3. Fail to Comply with Probation Order

She is described as 5’4”, has a large build, and black hair.
Flori Ciurar, 35, of Toronto, is wanted for:

1. Fail to Comply with Undertaking
2. Theft Over $5,000

She is described as 5”, has a medium build, and black hair.

 

[dotr]

News - York Regional Police

www.yrp.ca

Aug 8 2025​

Distraction Robbery in Richmond Hill​

​

Investigators with the York Regional Police #2 District Criminal Investigations Bureau have charged a foreign national and are seeking at least two more suspects involved in a violent jewelry distraction robbery in the City of Richmond Hill.
On Friday, July 15, 2025, at approximately 11:15 a.m., police responded to a reported collision in a plaza parking lot near Yonge Street and Canyon Hill Avenue, where a pedestrian was injured. Upon arrival, officers determined that the 78-year-old female had been subjected to a violent jewelry distraction robbery. The suspect had fled the scene in a white 2024 Nissan Rogue before police arrived. A video capturing the incident can be viewed here: https://youtu.be/PzrzstjbOtE
Through investigation, the driver of the vehicle was identified as Radu ORACEL. Two additional suspects, a male and a female, who were also in the vehicle, have not yet been identified. The rental vehicle they were using has since been returned.
Investigators believe ORACEL is part of a criminal network of foreign nationals operating in York Region with the primary intention of committing crimes. There is a concern that other victims have yet to come forward; therefore, ORACEL’s image is being released to the public.

Charged: Radu ORACEL, 35, of City of Toronto

Charges: Robbery Dangerous Operation

Anyone who recognizes ORACEL, the vehicle, or has information that could identify his accomplices is urged to contact the police.
York Regional Police would like to remind citizens to be cautious and protect themselves:

• Be wary of strangers approaching you in public to engage in conversation
• Be cautious of people being overly friendly or asking for directions while closing the distance on your personal space
• Keep your valuables in a safe and secure place that would be difficult for someone to access
• If you witness any suspicious people or activity, or are a victim, contact police immediately''

 

[dotr]

rbbm.

Video shows violent jewelry distraction robbery in Richmond Hill

A man who police believe is part of an alleged criminal network of foreign nationals operating in York Region has been arrested in connection with a violent jewelry distraction robbery in Richmond Hill, which was caught on camera.

www.cp24.com

''Investigators have determined the woman was a victim of a jewelry distraction robbery. Police said the woman’s injuries were significant and she is recovering.''

'The two other passengers in the vehicle have not been identified.
Police noted the Nissan was a rental vehicle that had been returned.'

'Due to Oracel’s alleged involvement in a criminal network, police said they’re concerned that there may be other victims.
They are asking anyone who has information about Oracel or the identities of his two accomplices to call 1-866-876-5423 ext. 7244 or Crime Stoppers anonymously at 1-800-222-TIPS.''

Aug 8, 2025
Investigators with the York Regional Police #2 District Criminal Investigations Bureau have charged a foreign national and are seeking at least two more suspects involved in a violent jewelry distraction robbery in the City of Richmond Hill.

 

[dotr]

August 14 2025

‘It happened so fast’: Senior has sentimental gold chain stolen in distraction theft

A Mississauga, Ont., man told CTV News he was approached in a parking lot and had a gold chain worth thousands of dollars stolen from around his neck.

www.cp24.com

“She said ‘I’m giving you this for free,’” said Vijaya Vikrant.

Vikrant said it was in July when he was parked outside a grocery store and a woman approached him. He said she told him she was celebrating a birthday by handing out free jewelry.

That’s when he said she put a gold-style chain around his neck.

“She put it around my neck and closed the hook,” said Vikrant.

Moments later, he said he realized the woman had removed the real gold chain he was wearing. Vikrant said it was worth thousands of dollars and had sentimental value.''

 

[dotr]

‘Distraction-style’ thefts on the rise in Toronto: police

Toronto police will be providing more information this morning on a rise in “distraction-style thefts” that are happening across the city.

www.cp24.com

September 03, 2025
''Toronto police will be providing more information this morning on a rise in “distraction-style thefts” that are happening across the city.

In an news release, Toronto police said Chief Supt. Mandeep Mann, of the Field Services unit, will share more details about the thefts and “offer tips to help residents protect themselves.”

The news conference will be held at police headquarters at 10 a.m.''

 

[dotr]

Nearly 375 distraction thefts reported in Toronto so far this year. Last year there were 28

Toronto police are warning of an 'alarming' rise of distraction thefts in the city with nearly 375 incidents reported so far this year. Last year, there were only 28 reported cases in the same timeframe.

www.ctvnews.ca

''Mann says these robberies tend to happen during the day with suspects working in pairs, occasionally involving children, with one person creating a diversion while the other takes the victim’s valuables. In several instances, police say the suspects remain in their vehicles, posing a challenge to identify the thieves as they often drive away before the victim realizes what happened.

Authorities say some distraction tactics include asking for directions, pretending to need help, causing an argument or scene, spilling something on the victim or asking the victim to pray with them.

So far, the robberies have happened in commercial parking lots, on city streets and victims’ own property.

Mann played two videos of varying distraction thefts that occurred throughout the city: one where a man was asked for directions to the nearest Walmart in a parking lot, the other outside of a victim’s home where he was later dragged by the suspect’s vehicle after a struggle to get his watch''

Sep 3, 2025 #canadiannews #ctvnationalnews #ctvnews
Beth Macdonell has more on the words of caution from Toronto police amid a spike in distraction thefts.

 

[dotr]

So many of them and they all look similar, hopefully in correct thread. imo.

https://www.tps.ca/media-centre/news-releases/63985/

31 Division
Case #: 2025-1332594
, September 11, 2025,
The Toronto Police Service is making the public aware of three arrests made in an ongoing Distraction Theft and Robbery investigation.

It is alleged that:

• between July 2025 and September 2025, three women operated as part of a criminal organization and worked together to commit a number of distraction thefts
• the woman targeted the elderly and vulnerable community and stole a quantity of jewelry

On Sunday, September 7, 2025, 31 Division, Major Crime Unit executed a Criminal Code search warrant and arrested and charged:
Florentina Alexandru, 44, of Toronto, with:

1. three counts of Theft Over $5000
2. Theft Under $5000
3. three counts of Possession of Proceeds Obtained by Crime Over $5000
4. Possession of Proceeds Obtained by Crime Under $5000
5. four counts of Participate in a Criminal Organization

She was scheduled to appear in court at Toronto Regional Bail Centre, 2201 Finch Avenue West, on Monday, September 8, 2025, at 10:00 a.m., in room 102.

Mirabela Lacatusu, 27, of Toronto, with:

1. three counts of Theft Over $5000
2. Theft Under $5000
3. three counts of Possession of Proceeds Obtained by Crime Over $5000
4. Possession of Proceeds Obtained by Crime Under $5000
5. four counts of Participate in a Criminal Organization

She was scheduled to appear in court at Toronto Regional Bail Centre, 2201 Finch Avenue West, on Monday, September 8, 2025, at 10:00 a.m., in room 102.

Florentina Alexandru, 37, of Toronto, with:

1. three counts of Theft Over $5000
2. Theft Under $5000
3. three counts of Possession of Proceeds Obtained by Crime Over $5000
4. Possession of Proceeds Obtained by Crime Under $5000
5. four counts of Participate in a Criminal Organization

She was scheduled to appear in court at Toronto Regional Bail Centre, 2201 Finch Avenue West, on Tuesday, September 9, 2025, at 10:00 a.m., in room 102.

Investigators believe there are more victims. Images have been released.''

Anyone with information is asked to contact police at 416-808-3100, Crime Stoppers anonymously at 416-222-TIPS (8477), or at www.222tips.com.

 

[dotr]

Other distraction theads threads.

D

Post in thread 'Canada- 3 women wanted after spree of sexual assaults and thefts in Scarborough, Toronto, June 2024 - April 2025, *Photos.*'

Jul 12, 2025

July 11, 2025

https://www.tps.ca/media-centre/news-releases/63429/

''Distraction theft is a type of theft where the victim’s attention is diverted in order to steal something, usually valuables like a wallet, purse, phone, or jewelry. It’s a common tactic used by pickpockets, scam artists, and opportunistic thieves, often in public places. It can also be a tactic to gain entrance into homes.

Victims of distraction theft can be chosen due to their age, if they appear trusting, or if they speak little or no English. The offenders generally target people who are...

• dotr

D

Post in thread 'Canada- Kingston, Ontario LE investigating opportunity theft incidents targeting senior citizens, 11 July '24, *Photos*'

Oct 17, 2024

By Bryann Aguilar October 16, 2024 rbbm

Suspects sought in distraction theft at Scarborough ATMs that targeted elderly victims

Toronto police have released images of the suspects wanted in connection with two distraction thefts at ATMs in Scarborough that targeted elderly individuals.

www.cp24.com

''Police say the two people in the photo are wanted in connection with a theft investigation. (Toronto Police Service)
Toronto police have released images of the suspects wanted in connection with two distraction thefts at ATMs in Scarborough that targeted elderly individuals.

Police said the two incidents occurred in February and March in the area of Kingston and Port Union...

• dotr

 

[Kaley Smith]

Retail theft has become a plague in Canada. My province of Manitoba solved the problem at the Liquor Marts which are all owned by the government. The doors are locked, and only one person at a time is let in after showing a picture ID which is scanned. People are used to it now, and it's working like clockwork.

 

[dotr]

Sep 16, 2025
Police in Hamilton are requesting the public’s assistance in identifying a suspect involved in a distraction theft targeting a senior at her home in Flamborough

September 16, 2025

Doorbell video captures suspect stealing senior’s gold necklace in distraction theft near Hamilton

Hamilton police say they have released doorbell camera footage of a daylight distraction theft targeting a senior at a home near Hamilton in an attempt to identify the perpetrator.

www.cp24.com

''Hamilton police say they have released doorbell camera footage of a daylight distraction theft targeting a senior at a home near Hamilton in an attempt to identify the perpetrator.

In the video of the incident, which occurred at around 3:30 p.m. on Sept. 8, a homeowner in Flamborough, a rural area of Hamilton, can be seen opening the door for a woman. The woman waits on the doorstep for the elderly victim to come outside to meet her and at one point, the suspect embraces the victim with a hug and a kiss.

During the greeting, the suspect replaced the victim’s genuine gold necklace with a fake.

Police described the suspect as a five feet, seven inches tall, about 40 years old, and was last seen in a “dark vehicle with visible front-end damage.”

 

[dotr]

https://www.tps.ca/media-centre/news-releases/64083/

nit:
12 Division
Case #: 2025-1980502

Published: Monday, September 22, 2025, 6:51 PM

The Toronto Police Service is making the public aware of two arrests made in a distraction theft investigation.

It is alleged that:

• on September 20, 2025 at 2:25 p.m. an elderly victim was sitting in front of their home in the Rustic Road and Liscombe Road area
• a woman approached the victim and began a conversation
• the woman distracted the victim and stole their jewelry
• the woman fled the area in the company of a man

Ionel Petter, 35, of Toronto

Florina Gheorghe, 33, of Toronto