Canadian Police Crack Distraction Theft Ring Targeting Elderly

Police in Vancouver are investigating a distraction‑theft case in which a 76‑year‑old woman was approached by a woman who pretended to be a friend, hugged her and stole a valuable gold necklace and two gold rings. The suspects were described as a woman in her thirties with short dark hair and a dark‑green four‑door sedan, with a male driver also in his thirties.

In Toronto, officers announced that two residents, 41‑year‑old Constantin Porumbita and Bianca Mitran, have been charged with robbery and participation in a criminal organization for a similar scheme that targeted a grandmother and her child near Culford Road and Falstaff Avenue. The woman allegedly distracted the elderly victim while the man lured the child toward a van and stole jewelry. The suspects were photographed and released to the public in case of additional victims.

Both police forces warned seniors to be cautious of unsolicited embraces or conversations and advised keeping valuables concealed.