Doorbell video captures suspect stealing senior’s gold necklace in distraction theft near Hamilton

Police in Hamilton are requesting the public’s assistance in identifying a suspect involved in a distraction theft targeting a senior at her home in Flamborough

Hamilton police have released doorbell camera footage of a daylight distraction theft targeting a senior at a home in Flamborough in an attempt to identify the perpetrator.

In the video of the incident, which occurred at around 3:30 p.m. on Sept. 8, a homeowner can be seen opening the door for a woman. The woman waits on the doorstep for the elderly victim to come outside to meet her and at one point, the suspect embraces the victim with a hug and a kiss.

During the greeting, the suspect replaced the victim’s genuine gold necklace with a fake.

Police described the suspect as five feet, seven inches tall, about 40 years old, and last seen in a “dark vehicle with visible front-end damage.”

Police say that the distraction theft technique “often involves suspects offering jewelry, hugs, or thanks for directions as a way to get close and steal personal valuables.”

• READ MORE: ‘Criminal organization:’ Toronto police arrest three women in distraction thefts

Hamilton police have reported a spike in distraction thefts this year. In 2021, the service said it saw only nine thefts, significantly fewer than the 54 reported in 2024. Between January and August of this year, 43 distraction thefts were reported to police.

• READ MORE: 2 women wanted in distraction theft stole $13K worth of goods from Toronto store: police

Investigators warn the public to be wary of people who insist on hugs or jewelry gifts, to keep jewelry secured, and to avoid wearing expensive items when alone in public spaces.