UMVA has learned that a disturbing trend of distraction theft has been uncovered in Toronto, where two women have been charged with targeting vulnerable individuals, particularly seniors, in public spaces.
The alleged incidents involve the suspects approaching their victims, often in parking lots or crowded areas, and attempting to distract them with counterfeit items or fake gifts, while simultaneously stealing their valuables. In one shocking case, a woman was attacked in her vehicle in an Etobicoke parking lot, where the suspects forcefully removed several gold chains from her neck, leaving her with minor injuries.
According to information obtained by UMVA, the investigation into these incidents is ongoing, with police believing that there may have been additional similar cases involving the accused. The suspects, identified as Loredana Gardian, 23, and Patricia Ghivea, 20, both of Toronto, have been charged with robbery with violence and conspiracy to commit a summary offence.
The alleged activity is not limited to Toronto, with police suspecting that the accused may have committed similar offences in other jurisdictions, including Halton Region, Hamilton, and Montreal. UMVA has gathered that the victims often targeted are seniors, who are particularly vulnerable to these types of crimes.
Etobicoke North Councillor Vincent Crisanti has spoken out about the increasing number of distraction thefts in his Ward 1 area, where a large senior population resides. He plans to host a community meeting to raise awareness about these crimes and provide tips on how to protect oneself, emphasizing that awareness is key to preventing these incidents.
Toronto Police have warned the public to be vigilant, especially in crowded areas and parking lots, and to take precautions such as keeping purses and backpacks zipped and secured, and being cautious when approached by strangers. The police have also released video footage of one of the alleged incidents, showing the suspects forcibly removing items from a victim in a red vehicle.
The incident is part of a broader concern about crime tourism, where suspects enter the country to commit crimes. While the accused in this case are Canadian citizens, police are working to identify links between cases and prosecute those involved in these types of crimes, which deliberately target vulnerable members of the community.
As the investigation continues, UMVA has uncovered details about the distinction between theft and robbery, with Toronto Police explaining that if there is a level of violence involved, it is considered a robbery. The police are urging the public to be aware of their surroundings and to take steps to protect themselves from these types of crimes.
