Police in Laval (SPL) are urging residents to be cautious and alert after dozens reported being the victims of “distraction thefts.” The SPL said more than 40 people have come forward with a similar experience where jewelry thieves target mainly elderly people. “The suspects, mainly from Eastern Europe, operate in public places, particularly shopping centre parking lots,” the SPL said in a news release. “They approach their victims under various pretexts, such as asking for directions or recommending a restaurant in the area. Once the conversation has started, the suspects thank their interlocutors by offering them a piece of jewellery as a ‘gift’. They then take advantage of their proximity to discreetly steal the victim’s real jewellery, such as bracelets, watches, necklaces or rings, which are often very valuable.” The RCMP says that distraction thieves often work in pairs or groups and that they “rely on surprise, emotional manipulation and physical contact to catch victims off guard.” “The thieves often appear non-threatening, act helpful, and may even be with a small child or a baby,” the RCMP said. The following prevention tips are advised to avoid becoming a victim of a distraction theft: CTV News reported that distraction thefts are on the rise in Canada. In Toronto, for example, the number of cases went from 28 in 2024 to nearly 375 in 2025.
