Five individuals have been arrested in Montreal following a series of distraction thefts in which seniors were targeted for their jewellery. The arrests follow a series of similar incidents reported in cities across Canada, with police in Vancouver, Calgary, Ottawa and Toronto issuing public warnings earlier this year.
Arrests and Ongoing Investigation
Montreal police confirmed that three men aged 34, 39 and 45 and two women aged 36 and 37 were apprehended on Tuesday and Wednesday of last week. Three of the suspects appeared in court on charges of theft under CAD $5,000. The remaining two were released under conditions and are scheduled to appear at a later date.
Officers also seized three vehicles from a property in Longueuil’s St-Hubert area. Police have indicated the investigation is ongoing.
Method Used in Thefts
According to Montreal police, the thefts involved the suspects approaching elderly individuals in public spaces under false pretences—typically asking for directions—before offering a low-value necklace or ring as a token of appreciation. During the interaction, the suspects would allegedly encourage the victim to try on the ‘gift’ and then surreptitiously remove items of genuine jewellery the person was wearing. The suspects then fled the scene in a vehicle driven by an accomplice.
In a statement, Montreal police said: “During their interactions with the victim, they approached them to have them try on the gift and took the opportunity to steal one or more pieces of valuable jewelry worn by the victim.”
Pattern of Offences Across Canada
Police in Ottawa, Toronto, and other cities have reported an increase in similar incidents this year, often involving seniors targeted in public areas such as parking lots.
“These suspects are known to use charm and deception to get close, and they often target visible jewelry or personal belongings,” Ottawa police stated. Wallets, phones and handbags have also been identified as common targets.
York Regional Police, which covers a number of communities north of Toronto, also issued a public warning earlier this month concerning the re-emergence of these incidents.
Implications for the Jewellery Trade
The recurrence of jewellery-related distraction thefts may prompt questions around personal security, particularly for older consumers. Retailers could experience increased enquiries about secure ways to wear and store jewellery.
Retailers may wish to review how they advise customers, particularly seniors, on safe practices for wearing jewellery in public settings.
Montreal police advise that seniors remain alert in public spaces, avoid accepting unsolicited gifts, and limit physical contact with strangers.
