Hamilton police seek suspects after trio stole wallets in distraction thefts

Hamilton police are alerting shoppers after two distraction thefts last month in which victims had their wallets stolen.

Officers say in both cases, coordinated teams of at least three people targeted seniors inside retail stores across Hamilton on Nov. 8.

Hamilton Police Const. Trevor McKenna says the thefts are a coordinated effort.

“One person grabs, another person distracts and another person slows the other down,” McKenna said. “There were three individuals involved in these occurrences, two of them have been identified by police now.”

Police say distraction thefts are on the rise during the holiday season. 

“It started out slow at the beginning of the year, and certainly it’s ending on a high note,” McKenna said. “Especially during Christmas time, this is the season for theft and frauds to occur.” 

An 83-year-old woman at a thrift store was distracted by suspects who moved her cart and dropped an item causing a distraction, allowing an accomplice to steal her wallet.

READ MORE: Halton police arrest man accused of international investment scam

Police released a video Wednesday morning of the suspects allegedly pickpocketing the woman.

A 68-year-old man had his PIN observed by one of three suspects, his exit blocked, and his wallet taken. About $2,000 was withdrawn from his accounts before he noticed.

Investigators have identified one man and one woman involved with the thefts: 40-year-old Florian Stoian from Markham, and 46-year-old Ana Petrescu from Scarborough respectively.

They have not identified the third suspect yet and no arrests have been made.

CHCH News spoke to shoppers Wednesday who say they always keep one eye open but know a potential threat is there. 

“I like to consider myself a little bit street smart, so I try to keep my eyes open all the time right, but I know it’s there,” said one shopper.

“Always, always watch where you’re going, watch who’s behind you, look down the aisles to see who’s there,” said another shopper. 

Anyone with information is asked to contact Det. Sgt. David Brewster of Hamilton Police Services at 905-546-2991.

Tips can be given anonymously through Crime Stoppers by calling 1-800-222-8477 or by submitting online at www.crimestoppershamilton.com.

READ MORE: One woman wanted, another charged after separate distraction thefts in Hamilton this fall