Brantford police warn public of ongoing distraction theft scams

Brantford police are issuing a warning to the public after receiving multiple reports of ongoing jewelry swap scams. 

During the evening of Oct. 15,  Brant County OPP responded to a reported theft at a home on Flagg Avenue.

Police say the complainant had listed a green iPhone 15 for sale on Facebook Marketplace. 

A buyer, using the profile name Kirtoura Jones, agreed to purchase the phone for $650 and was expected to arrive from Facebook Marketplace around 6:30 p.m.

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Officers say when the suspect arrived, the complainant observed a white compact vehicle pull into the driveway, briefly interact with the suspect, and then reverse out, heading westbound on Flagg Avenue. 

Moments later, the suspect fled on foot with the iPhone in hand, also heading westbound. 

The male suspect is described as black, six feet tall with a slim build and black curly hair. 

The Facebook profile photo matches the suspect who stole the phone.

Police are appealing to the public for information that could assist in identifying this suspect.

Please contact Brant County OPP at 1-888-310-1122, or reach out to Crime Stoppers anonymously at 1-800-222-8477 or online here.