Police warn of rise in distraction thefts as woman’s gold jewellery was taken
Posted Jun 1, 2026 03:16:51 PM.
Last Updated Jun 1, 2026 03:39:49 PM.
Waterloo Regional Police Service are out with another warning on distraction thefts after a woman’s jewellery was stolen in Kitchener on Saturday afternoon.
The incident happened around 12:30 p.m. in the area of Monarch Woods and Ian Ormston drives. According to police, the woman was out walking when she was approached by several occupants of a red sedan.
They got out of the vehicle and offered the woman jewellery.
Once she was distracted, the suspects stole real gold jewellery from her and replaced them with imitation items.
Police said, the genuine items were valued at several thousand dollars.
No one was physically hurt in the incident.
Police are continuing to investigate and said the suspect vehicle is a new model red Honda Civic with tinted windows and black rims.
Police are encouraging residents to remain aware of their surroundings, keep personal belongings secure, and avoid allowing strangers into their personal space.
This comes as police said they have received numerous reports of distraction thefts across the region.
Suspects usually work in pairs or groups and attempt to overwhelm the victim with information to distract their attention.
Regional police note suspects often focus on individuals that are alone, distracted, wearing visible valuables and are older adults.
Anyone with information on distraction thefts is asked to contact police at 519-570-9777, extension 4496.
Anonymous information can be provided to Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.
