Widower loses treasured jewelry in distraction theft
Posted December 9, 2016 7:22 pm.
This article is more than 5 years old.
The family of an 86-year-old Toronto man is devastated after a necklace with rings belonging to his deceased wife was stolen in a distraction theft.
Earlier this week, Angelo Grenci was driving on Samba Drive, near Sheppard Avenue West and Weston Road, when a man and woman stopped him to ask for directions.
Grenci said he told them how to get to Highway 401 and they seemed grateful.
In fact, the man offered Grenci two rings and placed a chain around his neck for his kindness. What Grenci didn’t realize was the man was stealing a necklace with his wife’s wedding ring and 25th anniversary ring at the same time.
“He was so happy because he thought he had met such great people and all he had to do was direct them to the highway — but instead they ended up robbing him,” Grenci’s daughter Rita Grenci said
“It’s really sad because we lost my mom a year ago, and not only do we have to go through a Christmas without her, but now [also] the loss of her rings.”
Toronto police Const. Mark McCabe told CityNews these thefts aren’t new and it happens across the country.
“It happens for a few weeks and then a few months, then it will die off and then it will happen again,” he said.
McCabe said 41 Division has launched a program to alert seniors to distraction thefts.
Over the next few weeks, a team of police fraud experts will visit retirement homes in Toronto, explaining distraction theft and how people can protect themselves.