A Pickering distraction theft has prompted a police appeal after an elderly woman’s gold necklace was stolen while she walked her dog near Whites Road and Atwood Crescent.
Durham Regional Police released the appeal on October 16. The incident occurred on Monday, October 12, at approximately 10:30 a.m. Police said the woman was not physically injured.
According to investigators, a white SUV stopped near the woman and two female suspects got out. They began talking with her before one placed a necklace around her neck and removed her own gold necklace. A second suspect grabbed her arm and tried to remove her bracelets.
Nearby residents saw what was happening and shouted at the suspects. The two women returned to the SUV, which police say was driven by a male suspect, and the vehicle fled north on Whites Road.
Family heirloom taken
The stolen item is described as a long, 22-karat gold chain with several pendants, including a cross with an elephant and a green stone pendant. Police said it is a family heirloom. The illustrative featured image does not depict the actual necklace.
Police described each female suspect as approximately 30 years old, about five feet two inches tall and having a heavy build. Both wore a shawl or head covering and slippers. No further description of the male driver was provided. The vehicle was described as a white Chevrolet SUV.
Police ask for footage from the area
Investigators want to hear from anyone who can identify the suspects or has video or dash-camera footage from Whites Road and Atwood Crescent around the time of the incident. Information can be provided at 905-579-1520, or toll-free at 1-888-579-1520, extension 1905.
Anonymous tips can be submitted to Durham Regional Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477). The October 12 Pickering incident is distinct from older distraction-theft reports involving different dates and locations in Ajax and Whitby.
