Peterborough Police are actively searching for, and warning residents about suspects who might seem like good samaritans, but have other intentions.
Officials are calling these recent incidents ‘Distraction Thefts’ and they took place at businesses on Chemong Road and now authorities want to remind shoppers to vigilant.
Incident #1
On March 20, officers were made aware of an incident that happened March 17, 2024. In that case, a man offered to help the 89-year-old woman at the store and then appeared at the woman’s house, took her groceries inside despite the woman saying she didn’t need help, and then leaving. Shortly after the woman noticed her wallet was gone from her purse. She went to cancel the cards and learned one had already been used at several businesses.
The suspect was described to police as:
- White male
- 60-70 years old
- 5’7 with average build
- Well-trimmed white beard
- Wearing a dark suit
- He spoke broken English
Incident #2
A second incident was reported to police on March 26, 2024, when an 83-year-old woman reported that she had been approached by a male and a female, engaged in conversation, and then realized that here wallet had been taken from her purse. It was further learned that several credit and debit cards were used at several other businesses.
Police have provided a video link the second incident at https://youtube.com/shorts/4Kar1333vOA?feature=share
Anyone with information in either incident is asked to contact Peterborough Police at 705-876-1122 x555 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or online at www.stopcrimehere.ca
(Written by: Graham Elliott)
