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The thefts involve someone diverting a victim’s attention before swiping something valuable like jewelry, wallets or phones. The perpetrators target 60- to 90-year-olds during daylight hours on weekdays, Mann warned. 

“These suspects prey on the politeness and helpfulness of É«É«À²nians,” Mann told reporters. “Disappointing, despicable, targeting the most vulnerable people in our communities.”

All other crime indicators are down in 2025, according to police data. Shootings and firearm discharges are down 41 per cent, homicides have fallen by 56 per cent and auto thefts are down 33 per cent from last year. But the distraction schemes are bucking this trend. 

The snatchings mostly happen in commercial parking lots, city streets and outside of victims’ properties where the suspects latch onto their targets by asking for directions, starting an argument or asking the victims to pray with them. 

Officers showed video of one of the incidents where a woman asked a man for directions to the nearest Walmart before claiming it was her birthday and in her culture that means she should gift him something. They share a hug but the woman leaves before the victim realizes she took his necklace with her. 

Mann said it’s hard to make arrests because these people disappear before the victim knows anything is wrong.

Police announced their new investigation which will have two divisions, one in the city’s east end and one in the west, increasing patrols in areas where the snatchings are most common, as well as trying to educate seniors. 

Investigators don’t have an explanation for why the numbers have spiked this year but Mann believes it is somehow tied to organized crime. 

“We take distraction theft seriously and we’ll work to identify links and apprehend those responsible,” Mann said. 

His advice for those hoping not to fall prey: be less friendly and look less kind.

“Be cautious if you’re approached by strangers, especially if their behaviour is odd or overly engaging,” Mann warned. “The suspects are targeting victims who appear trusting and helpful.”

Police rarely recover the stolen goods but advise people to put markers, like their initials, on jewelry. The crimes are often under-reported, Mann continued. 

“These people do feel embarrassed that they were victimized and just don’t want to say anything,” he said.

Other tips website include zipping up purses, backpacks and other bags.