Police urge caution once again after distraction thefts across Hamilton

Hamilton police are warning the community once again about a series of distraction thefts that are happening across the city.

Officers are encouraging the community to be cautious when approached by strangers offering gifts, jewelry or insisting on unsolicited physical contact.

Investigators have shared details about four more thefts that have happened in recent days.

Most recently, at around 2 p.m. on Sunday, a person was walking their dog on Stonehenge Drive in Ancaster when they were approached by a dark-coloured SUV.

A woman in the car engaged the person in conversation about their heritage, placed gold-coloured rings and bracelets on them and repeating the phrase “pray for her.”

According to the victim, the woman left in the SUV and they discovered that their genuine bracelet had been stolen.

The people in the SUV were described as around 50-years-old with tanned complexions and European accents.

READ MORE: Latest distraction thefts in Hamilton prompt police warning

Police say that about a half-hour later, at around 2:30 p.m., a person walking on Rymal Road West near Garth Street was approached by a dark-coloured SUV.

A woman got out of the car and attempted to hug the person and place a gold necklace on them.

“The suspect was persistent, rolling up the victim’s sleeves and successfully removing a watch of significant sentimental value,” Hamilton police said in the press release.

The woman was described by the victim as stocky and between 30 and 40-year-old. She was also said to be wearing a long-sleeved sweater and pants.

WATCH MORE: Video shows suspects stealing Hamilton man’s necklace in daylight distraction theft

Earlier on Sunday, at around 10:44 a.m., a person called police to tell them that they had been approached by a man and woman driving a silver Ford Flex.

The pair were said to have asked for directions before offering gold chains to show their appreciation, which the victim declined.

The man was described as being of Middle Eastern descent, between 28 and 33-years-old with a black beard and wearing a black jacket with red and white stripes and dark pants.

The woman was described as being of Middle Eastern descent as well, wearing a white headscarf, black jacket and carrying a black purse.

READ MORE: Hamilton police searching for two men involved in distraction theft

Back on Oct. 22, police say a woman was out for her daily walk on Kitty Murray Lane in Ancaster when she was approached by a man and a woman in a Nissan SUV.

Officers say the pair engaged the woman in conversation about purchasing a birthday cake for a family member while making physical contact and exchanging her jewelry for fake items. The victim only realized later that her bracelets had been stolen.

The man and woman were described as being around 40-years-old and of Middle Eastern descent.

Police are offering a couple tips to help prevent a similar crime from happening to you:

• Do not accept gifts or jewelry from strangers.
• Maintain personal space and be cautious of anyone attempting to make physical contact.
• Take note of the cars, their license plates and the appearance of the people who approached you.
• Contact police immediately if you believe you have been the victim of a theft.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the Hamilton Police Service at 905-546-3886.

Anonymous tips can be submitted to Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or online.

WATCH MORE: Hamilton police look for woman accused of Flamborough distraction theft