Thieves sought for jewelry distraction thefts in Hamilton

There have been 14 such incidents reported in Steeltown since November 2024

Chris Doucette
Published Jan 25, 2025  •  Last updated Jan 25, 2025  •  1 minute read
Join the conversation
Investigators need help identifying suspects sought for at least 14 alleged jewelry distractions thefts in Hamilton since November 2024.
Investigators need help identifying suspects sought for at least 14 alleged jewelry distractions thefts in Hamilton since November 2024. Photo by Handout /Hamilton Police

A group of thieves have distracted unsuspecting victims in Hamilton and stolen their jewelry on more than a dozen occasions in recent months.

Story continues below

Hamilton Police say the swindlers tend to engage victims in conversation, enabling them to get close proximity those they target.

“Often (they) try to sell or give jewelry, which enables them to steal the victim’s own jewelry without notice,” police warn.

Police said 14 such incidents have been reported in Steeltown since November 2024.

Read More
  1. Investigators need help identifying and tracking down a man and a woman suspected of distracting an elderly woman at a Whitby grocery store, stealing from the senior's purse, then taking off in a white Hyundai SantaFe on Tuesday, Jan. 7, 2025.
    Distraction thieves target kind senior citizen at Whitby grocery store
  2. Eugen Catruna, 52, of no fixed address, is wanted by Toronto Police in connection with an ongoing elderly distraction theft ring.
    5 charged, 2 wanted as cops probe distraction thefts targeting elderly
  3. Bianca Azaria Bourne-Nikolajev, 30, of Toronto, is wanted for allegedly stealing a high-end watch from a date while at a downtown Toronto hotel on Monday, Jan. 6, 2025.
    Woman, 30, wanted after 'luxury' watch stolen during date at Toronto hotel

And the thieves are typically seen travelling in vehicles with missing license plates.

“If you notice any suspicious behavior or have information that could assist in this investigation, please report it to police,” police said.

Investigators need help identifying suspects sought for at least 14 alleged jewelry distractions thefts in Hamilton since November 2024.
Investigators need help identifying suspects sought for at least 14 alleged jewelry distractions thefts in Hamilton since November 2024. Photo by Handout /Hamilton Police

Investigators have released images of women suspected of the jewelry distraction thefts hoping members of the public recognize them and come forward.

If you have any information regarding the identity or whereabouts of the suspects is urged to call police at 905-546-2955, or Crime Stoppers anonymously at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).

cdoucette@postmedia.com

@sundoucette

Comments
You must be logged in to join the discussion or read more comments.
Join the Conversation

Postmedia is committed to maintaining a lively but civil forum for discussion. Please keep comments relevant and respectful. Comments may take up to an hour to appear on the site. You will receive an email if there is a reply to your comment, an update to a thread you follow or if a user you follow comments. Visit our Community Guidelines for more information.

Trending
Read Next
Page was generated in 1.3652639389038