DISTRACTION THEFTS 26-3517 4510

DISTRACTION THEFTS 
Seeking the public’s assistance

LONDON, ON (January 16, 2025) – The London Police Service is seeking the public’s assistance and reminding citizens to be aware after responding to a distraction type theft as well as an attempted distraction type theft between November 2025 and January 2026.

On Monday, November 24, 2025, at approximately 11:30 a.m., a woman in the area of Aldersbrook and Brandy Lane roads was approached by a female in the rear passenger seat of a light coloured four door vehicle. The suspect female engaged in conversation, offering the woman flowers and a necklace and asked her to approach the vehicle.

While speaking with the victim the suspect female reached out and began to massage the woman’s hand removing two gold bracelets before the vehicle fled away from the victim.

After the suspect left the area, the victim noticed her personal jewelry was missing from her wrist and reported the theft to police.

On Friday, January 10, 2026, at approximately 2:30 p.m., a woman in the area of Lawson Road and Blue Forest Drive was approached by a female seated in the front passenger seat of a black four door vehicle. The suspect female asked the woman for money to help with a sick parent.

While the suspect female spoke with the victim, she reached out and began touching her neck. The victim believed the suspect was looking for jewelry to steal from the victim. When the suspect was not able to locate anything, the vehicle fled the area.

The victim called police and reported the incident.

The investigations have been reassigned to the London Police Service Patrol Operations Investigative Section.

Investigators are requesting the public’s assistance and hoping anyone with information that could assist with these investigations to contact the London Police Service.

Investigators believe there may be additional victims.

This type of scam involves the exchange of imitation pieces of jewelry for ones that are significantly more valuable. 

In these types of scams, the perpetrators are skilled at removing valuable jewelry while distracting the victim. 

Citizens are reminded to be cautious when approached by strangers offering gifts or engaging in unsolicited conversations. In distraction thefts, suspects often use physical contact, such as hugs or hand touching to remove jewelry or other valuables without the victim realizing.

The investigations remain ongoing.

Anyone with information in relation to this incident is asked to call the London Police Service at (519) 661-5670 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477). Information can also be sent in online anonymously to London Middlesex Crime Stoppers.

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Media Relations Officer
C. 519-868-3882
Email. Media Officer

26-3517 4510