Police say a 37-year-old woman allegedly distracted a man in Scarborough and stole a fake gold necklace, then fled in a black SUV.
A gold necklace was allegedly swapped out in the middle of a conversation, police in Misryoum said, as they seek a woman tied to a Scarborough distraction theft.
Officers say the victim was approached by two women who asked for directions. While he was helping, police allege they removed his real gold necklace and replaced it with a fake one before fleeing, they said.
Misryoum added that the suspects escaped in a black SUV.
Police also said they received a separate report from the Ellesmere and Wye Valley Rds. area. In that incident, the report described a woman speaking to a person walking nearby around 12:30 p.m. on April 17.
According to Misryoum, the woman attempted to take the victim’s real gold chain, but was unsuccessful. The suspect then left the area in a black SUV, police said.
This type of approach matters because it relies on quick distraction, meaning victims may only realize something is missing once the interaction ends.
Misryoum reported that Victoria Miclescu, 37, of Toronto, is wanted in connection with theft over $5,000 and attempted theft not exceeding $5,000.
Police said there is no description of the second female suspect in the case.
For residents, Misryoum stressed that paying attention during unexpected conversations can help reduce the chance of being targeted in similar thefts.