Halton police warning residents about distraction thefts

By News Staff

Halton police are reminding residents to keep a close eye on their belongings, after a series of distraction thefts in Burlington and Oakville.

Investigators are looking into at least 47 reports of multiple criminal groups targeting women and seniors at various grocery and retail stores since last November.

In some cases, multiple offenders worked in teams to distract victims, bump their carts or ask for their assistance in a store or parking lot.

Surveillance video released by Halton police shows others waiting for the perfect opportunity to remove items from a victim’s purse or wallet while it’s on a shopping cart.

Investigators have been working with area Loss Prevention Officers to identify the persons responsible which resulted in them being positively identified.

Shoppers are being urged to be aware of their surroundings and on alert of these tactics. If possible, leave items like SIN cards, birth certificates and passports securely at home. If you become a victim, Halton police wants you to contact your financial service providers, cancel your cards and file a criminal report.

So far, one suspect was arrested and released on bail in connection to multiple thefts: 20-year-old Brenda Stojkova of Brampton is facing three counts of theft under $5000, unauthorized use of a credit card and fraud under $5000.

She is scheduled to appear inside a Milton courthouse on April 3.

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