Three arrests made in Waterloo following string of distraction thefts

Waterloo Regional Police Service (WRPS) has arrested three people in Waterloo in connection to a string of distraction thefts.

Officers were called to a store at 5:20 p.m. in the area of Erb Street West and Fischer-Hallman Road on Friday, December 13 after employees at a store said they recognized two women believed to be involved in recent thefts.

The thefts in question are believed to target elderly victims, with one woman distracting the target while the other would steal cell phones, bank cards, and more from their purses or bags.

Upon arrival, police arrested the two women as well as a man who was waiting in a getaway vehicle in the parking lot.

Police were able to seize various cell phones, bank cards, and other personal items that were found inside the vehicle.

A 34-year-old woman, 56-year-old woman, and 38-year-old man, all from Mississauga, have been arrested and charged with unauthorized use of a credit card and two counts of theft under $5,000. The man has also been charged with breach of probation.

All three of the accused were held for a bail hearing.

Police believe there may be additional victims, and anyone with information is asked to contact WRPS.