London police appealing for victims to come forward following distraction thefts

London Police vehicle in London, Ont., Sunday, April 20, 2025. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Nicole Osborne

Police are appealing to the public for other victims to come forward after two women were victimized by distraction thefts in the city’s west end between November 2025 and January 2026.

According to a news release from the London Police Service, on Nov. 24, 2025 at approximately 11:30 a.m., a woman in the area of Aldersbrook and Brandy Lane roads was approached by a female in the rear passenger seat of a light coloured four door vehicle.

The suspect engaged in conversation, offering the woman flowers and a necklace, and then asked her to approach the vehicle. Police say while speaking with the woman the suspect reached out and began to massage the woman’s hand and removed two gold bracelets before the vehicle fled from the area.

After the suspect left the area, the woman noticed her jewelry was missing from her wrist and reported the theft to police.

On Jan. 10 at approximately 2:30 p.m., a woman in the area of Lawson Road and Blue Forest Drive was approached by a female seated in the front passenger seat of a black four door vehicle.

Police say the suspect female asked the woman for money to help with a sick parent.

While the suspect female spoke with the woman, she reached out and began touching the woman’s neck.

Police say the woman believed the suspect was looking for jewelry to steal, but when the suspect was unable to locate anything of value, the vehicle fled the area.

The victim called police and reported the incident.

The investigations have been reassigned to the Patrol Operations Investigative Section.

Investigators are requesting the public’s assistance and hoping anyone with information that could assist with these investigations to contact London police.

Investigators believe there may be additional victims.

How do distraction thefts work?

Police say the scam works by involving the exchange of imitation pieces of jewelry for ones that are significantly more valuable. In these types of scams, the perpetrators are skilled at removing valuable jewelry while distracting the victim.

Citizens are reminded to be cautious when approached by strangers offering gifts or engaging in unsolicited conversations. Police say in distraction thefts, suspects often use physical contact, such as hugs or hand touching to remove jewelry or other valuables without the victim realizing.

The investigations remain ongoing.

Anyone with information in relation to this incident is asked to call the London Police Service at [phone] or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477). Information can also be sent in online anonymously to London Middlesex Crime Stoppers.