2 suspects use ketchup as distraction tactic to steal elderly victim’s money outside Scarborough bank: police

Toronto police released security camera footage showing a suspect squirting ketchup on the victim as part of a distraction theft.

Toronto police are looking for two suspects in connection with a distraction theft in Scarborough that targeted an elderly victim.

It happened in the afternoon of April 15 at a bank near Eglinton Avenue East and Pharmacy Avenue.

Police said a man and a woman followed the victim into the bank and watched him withdraw a quantity of money.

The pair were captured by a security camera following the victim out of the bank. Police released the footage, which shows the male suspect squirting ketchup on the victim’s back before walking away.

The woman then approached the victim and offered to help him clean the back of his jacket, police said.

“While the victim was being helped, the man and woman stole the victim’s money and fled the area,” police allege in a news release issued Friday night.

The male suspect is described as having a heavy build and a short beard. He was last seen wearing a black jacket, black pants and light-coloured shoes.

The female suspect is described as having a slim build and dark hair in a ponytail. She was last seen wearing a light-coloured coat and scarf, white shoes and carrying a dark knapsack.

Police are asking anyone who can identify the suspects to contact them or Crime Stoppers anonymously.