Winnipeg Police are warning residents to be vigilant about their surroundings after a series of thefts occurred when the victims were being persistently distracted.
Police say that on March 11, 2022, a senior female was approach by a male while she was shopping at a Regent Avenue store. The male deliberately worked to distract the woman and during that encounter her wallet was stolen. The thief then accessed her bank account but fortunately the transaction was declined.
A second senior female was also a victim of her wallet being stolen in a similar manner on the same day. This time the theft took place on McPhillips Street. The victim was approached by two men in the parking lot of a business and told her vehicle was on fire. While the woman looked for the non-existent fire one of the men stole her wallet . Like the first victim the woman’s bank account was later accessed but the thieves were unsuccessful in getting any money from it.
On March 14, another senior woman was approached using the same persistent distraction technique, once inside the store and again when she was putting her groceries into her vehicle. The male thief was able to steal her cellphone.
Police say that the victims and thieves were not know to each other and in all three incidents persistent attempts were made to distract the women. None of the victims suffered physical injuries.
Police warn the public to be aware of their surroundings, especially when approached by unknown people.
© News4.ca 2022
