Toronto police are alerting residents about a significant increase in distraction thefts throughout the city. Chief Superintendent Mandeep Mann of Field Services expressed concern over the trend during a news conference on Wednesday. He noted, "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."

In 2025, despite a decline in other types of crime—firearm incidents down by 40%, homicides down by 56%, and auto thefts down by 33%—the number of thefts has risen sharply. Mann reported that there have been 374 reported distraction thefts this year, a stark increase from just 28 incidents last year. He emphasized that many of these crimes go unreported.

Police are collaborating across the Greater Toronto Area to investigate the reasons behind this surge. Distraction thefts involve suspects diverting a victim's attention to steal valuables such as wallets, purses, phones, or jewelry. Mann explained, "It is a common tactic used by pickpockets, scam artists, and opportunistic thieves."

Typically, these suspects operate in pairs, sometimes involving children. One person creates a distraction while the other steals the victim's belongings. The primary targets are seniors aged 60 to 90, who are often alone and wearing visible jewelry. Most thefts occur during the week, particularly from mid-morning to mid-afternoon, in commercial parking lots, on city streets, and even on the victims' properties.

Identifying suspects can be challenging, as they often remain in their vehicles. Mann stated, "Victims, primarily the elderly, are often left in shock, limiting their ability to provide accurate descriptions."

Common tactics used by suspects include asking for directions, pretending to need help, or creating a scene. They may even spill something on the victim or ask them to pray. Police have released surveillance footage of two incidents that occurred over the summer. In one case, an elderly man was approached by a female passenger in a vehicle who asked for directions and claimed it was her birthday. After handing him a ring and hugging him, the suspect drove off, leaving the victim without his necklace.

In another incident, a suspect asked for directions from a vehicle parked in front of a victim's home. While engaging the victim, the suspect placed rings and necklaces on him as part of the distraction, then attempted to steal his watch, resulting in a struggle.

Distraction thefts are not limited to Toronto. In Ottawa, police reported approximately 70 incidents this year, with 62 occurring between April and September. The Ottawa Police Service noted that a specific tactic involving suspects gifting necklaces has been reported 50 times in 2025 alone. In Richmond, B.C., the RCMP issued warnings about similar crimes, and in Edmonton, three suspects were arrested in connection with a series of distraction thefts.

To protect themselves, police advise residents to remain aware of their surroundings, especially in crowded areas. They recommend keeping bags zipped and close to the body and being cautious when approached by strangers. Mann cautioned, "If someone is close enough to put a necklace on you, they’re way too close."

Authorities encourage the public to report any distraction thefts and provide any helpful information to assist in ongoing investigations.