What is distraction theft? Toronto police warn that it's on the rise

Toronto police are warning residents of a certain kind of crime that’s on the rise in the city: distraction theft.

“While distraction thefts are troubling on their own, what is even more troubling is the increasing level of violence suspects are using against their victims,” said Chief Superintendent Mandeep Mann of Field Services at a news conference on Wednesday.

In 2025, he said despite other kinds of crime trending downward — firearm activity was down by 40 per cent, homicides were down by 56 per cent and auto thefts by 33 per cent — there has been year over year increase for theft.

“With distraction thefts in particular, there have been 374 reported incidents so far this year compared to just 28 all of last year. And we know these crimes are often underreported,” he said.

Mann said police were working together across the Greater Toronto Area to understand what was causing the spike.

Here’s what to know.

Distraction theft, as the name implies, is a kind of theft where a suspect tries to divert the attention of a victim in order to steal valuables, including wallets, purses, phones or jewelry. “It is a common tactic used by pickpockets, scam artists, and opportunistic thieves,” according to Toronto police .

“These suspects typically work in pairs,” said Mann on Wednesday, “sometimes even involving children, with one person creating the distraction while the other takes the property.”

The targets are usually seniors between the ages of 60 and 90 years old who are alone and are often wearing visible jewelry. Most of the theft are being done during the week, from mid-morning to mid-afternoon, in commercial parking lots, on city streets, and even on the victims’ property.

Identifying suspects is more difficult because they often stay inside their vehicle.

“Victims, primarily (the) elderly, are often left in shock, limiting their ability to provide accurate descriptions,” said Mann.

Suspects who are committing distraction theft may ask for directions or pretend to need help in order to get close to a victim. They may start an argument or cause a scene. They may spill something on the victim or even ask a victim to pray with them.

Toronto police shared two surveillance videos of distraction thefts in action. Investigations into the two incidents, which occurred over the summer, are still ongoing.

In one video, the victim, an elderly man, is standing in a commercial parking lot when a vehicle backs up into a spot near him on Aug. 5 at 5 p.m.

The suspect, a female passenger sitting in the back seat, rolls down the window and calls him over. She asks for directions to the nearest Walmart and tells the victim that it’s her birthday, which in her culture means she should give him a gift. (Police said that suspects will often make up ruses or scenarios in order to get a person to come closer to them. It is not clear which culture the suspect was referring to).

The suspect then hands the victim a ring and leans in for a hug, placing her arms around the man’s neck. The vehicle quickly drives away, and it’s only then that the victim realizes his necklace is missing.

In another video, a vehicle is stopped in front of a victim’s home on May 12 at 6:45 p.m.

The footage, taken from several houses away, shows the suspect asking for directions to the nearest mosque from the vehicle. The suspect tells the victim to pray for his sick mother. While the victim is engaging in the interaction, the suspect begins putting rings and necklaces on the victim. (This is part of the distraction).

The victim attempts to cover his own necklaces with his right arm. The suspect grabs the victim’s arm, pulls the victim’s necklace off his neck, and attempts to grab his watch.

A struggle ensues, and the suspect drives off, dragging the victim along.

The incidents are occurring across the country.

In Ottawa on Thursday, police warned residents of the crime that targets seniors.

The Ottawa Police Service said it “received approximately 70 reports of distraction thefts city-wide so far this year,” with 62 of them occurring between April 1 and Sept. 2. Police noted that the kind of theft involving the suspect “gifting” the victim with a necklace was reported 50 times in 2025, with 20 of those reports filed since June.

In July, the RCMP warned residents in Richmond, B.C. about distraction thefts in a news release . Police said they believed suspects were selling jewelry connected to the thefts.

In August, officers arrested three suspects in Edmonton connected to an “an ongoing series of distraction-style thefts.” Warrants were also issued for three suspects, and police said they believe there are even more involved.

Edmonton police received at least 48 reports of distraction thefts from May to mid-August.

Const. Shiva Shunmugam said at a news conference at the time that the suspects are believed to be connected to similar thefts from B.C. to Toronto, the Canadian Press reported.

“It’s not limited to Alberta,” he said. “It’s Canada-wide.”

Police say to “stay aware of your surroundings, especially in crowded or high-traffic areas.” Backpacks, purses or any bags being carried should be zipped up and “close to your body.”

“Be cautious if you’re approached by strangers especially if their behaviour is odd or overly engaging,” said Mann. “The suspects are targeting victims who appear trusting and helpful. If someone is close enough to put a necklace on your, they’re way too close.”

Avoid placing valuables on tables or hanging bags on chairs in public places.

Police urge the public, including businesses, to report distraction thefts and come forward with any helpful information.

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