Man loses wedding ring to distraction theft in Barrie, Ont.

A 75-year-old man was targeted while standing in the driveway of his home on Sunday.

A man lost his wedding ring from a chain around his neck to theft on Sunday.

Police are warning residents about distraction thefts after a 75-year-old man was targeted Sunday.

Keep your jewelry close at hand when talking to strangers

The man was standing in the driveway of his home shortly after 12:15 p.m. on Sunday when he was approached by a late-model grey or black Toyota RAV4 that had turned onto Lay Street from Duckworth Street.

Police say the driver rolled down his window and asked for directions, explaining that he was new to the neighbourhood.

As the senior spoke with the driver, the vehicle slowly edged closer. A woman in the passenger seat in the rear of the SUV rolled down her window and told him they had just come from the hospital where her father was dying.

After he said he was sorry to hear it, she insisted on giving him a gift for his compassion.

The passenger first handed him what appeared to be a gold ring before offering him a necklace. As the victim leaned toward the open window, she placed the necklace around his neck and without him realizing it, she removed his own necklace, which had his wedding ring attached.

The suspects quickly drove away westbound on Wellington Street East.

It wasn’t until the man returned inside his home that he discovered his necklace and wedding ring were gone.

The driver is described as a man in his 40s with a tanned complexion and beard, wearing a dark-coloured cap and tinted glasses.

The woman is described to be in her 40s, has a tanned complexion and distinctive gold teeth.

Neither suspect was believed to have an accent.

Barrie Police remind residents that distraction thefts often begin with what appears to be an innocent conversation. Suspects may ask for directions, claim to need assistance, or offer a gift to gain trust and move within arm’s reach of their victim.

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Once they are close enough, valuable jewelry can be removed in seconds without the victim noticing.

Anyone with information or who may have seen the suspect vehicle in the area of Lay Street, Duckworth Street or Wellington Street East around the time of the theft is asked to contact the investigating officer via email.