Nearly 375 distraction thefts reported in Toronto so far this year. Last year there were 28

Police shared surveillance footage of a distraction theft that occured in a commercial parking lot, where a victim was asked for directions to Walmart. (Toronto Police Service)

Toronto police are warning of an “alarming” rise of distraction thefts in the city with nearly 375 incidents reported so far this year. Last year, there were only 28 reported cases in the same timeframe.

“We know these crimes are often underreported,” Toronto Police Service Chief Supt. Mandeep Mann said during a news conference on Wednesday morning.

This kind of theft typically targets people between 60 and 90 years old, police say, who are often alone and wearing visible jewelry.

Mann says these robberies tend to happen during the day with suspects working in pairs, occasionally involving children, with one person creating a diversion while the other takes the victim’s valuables. In several instances, police say the suspects remain in their vehicles, posing a challenge to identify the thieves as they often drive away before the victim realizes what happened.

Authorities say some distraction tactics include asking for directions, pretending to need help, causing an argument or scene, spilling something on the victim or asking the victim to pray with them.

So far, the robberies have happened in commercial parking lots, on city streets and victims’ own property.

Mann played two videos of varying distraction thefts that occurred throughout the city: one where a man was asked for directions to the nearest Walmart in a parking lot, the other outside of a victim’s home where he was later dragged by the suspect’s vehicle after a struggle to get his watch.

“While distraction thefts are concerning on their own, what is even more troubling is the increasing level of violence suspects are using against their victims,” Mann said.

Distraction thefts also on the rise in Durham Region

Durham Regional Police also warned locals of a “concerning trend” of distraction thefts, with more than 65 cases reported in the region in 2025.

• READ MORE: Police warn of ‘concerning trend’ of distraction thefts in Durham Region

Mann said they are working with their partners across the Greater Toronto Area to “pinpoint” what is spiking this type of crime and identify who is responsible. Currently, investigators believe organized crime groups are behind the thefts.

“It’s alarming. That is an upwards trend that we are seeing across the GTA,” Mann said Wednesday.

While distraction-style robberies rise, Mann said other major crimes have declined in Toronto this year, noting shootings are down by 27 per cent, auto thefts declined by 33 per cent and homicides by 56 per cent.

To protect yourself from this kind of theft, officers suggest being cautious if you’re approached by a stranger offering unsolicited gifts, keeping valuables out of plain sight and staying alert during any unusual interaction.