Barrie Police Car (from the FM 92 South Simcoe files)
Barrie Police are warning residents to be aware of distraction thefts after a senior was allegedly targeted outside his home.
It happened shortly after 12:15 p.m. on Sunday, June 28th, when a 75-year-old man was standing in the driveway of his home on Lay Street.
According to investigators, a late-model grey or black Toyota RAV4 turned onto Lay Street from Duckworth Street and stopped near the homeowner. The male driver reportedly asked for directions, telling the victim he was new to the neighbourhood.
While the two spoke, police say the vehicle slowly moved closer. A woman seated in the rear of the SUV then rolled down her window and told the homeowner they had just come from the hospital where her father was dying. After the man expressed sympathy, she insisted on giving him a gift.
Investigators say the woman first handed him what appeared to be a gold ring before offering him a necklace. As the victim leaned toward the open window, she placed the necklace around his neck. Police allege that during the interaction, she removed the victim’s own necklace, which had his wedding ring attached, without him noticing.
The suspects then drove away westbound on Wellington Street East. The victim later discovered his necklace and wedding ring were missing after returning inside his home.
Police describe the driver as a man in his 40s with a tanned complexion and a beard. He was wearing a dark-coloured cap and tinted glasses. The female passenger is described as being in her 40s with a tanned complexion and distinctive gold teeth. Investigators say neither suspect appeared to have an accent.
Barrie Police are reminding residents that distraction thefts often begin with what appears to be an innocent conversation. Suspects may ask for directions, claim to need assistance, or offer a gift in order to gain a victim’s trust and get within arm’s reach. Police say valuables, particularly jewelry, can then be removed in seconds without the victim realizing it.
Anyone with information or who may have seen the suspect vehicle in the area of Lay Street, Duckworth Street, or Wellington Street East around the time of the incident is asked to contact the investigating officer by email at bosborne@barriepolice.ca.
