A 52-year-old man and 22-year-old woman from Toronto are facing charges after police responded to a report of a distraction theft last week.
On January 19, 2024 at 11:30 a.m., police were dispatched to a business on Strathy Road in Cobourg for a report of a wallet theft.
Through investigation, it was learned that three individuals entered the business and followed a female around the store, taking her wallet from her handbag.
The three individuals purchased gift cards in two separate transactions with the victim’s bank card before leaving the store.
Additional purchases were made with the victim’s bank card at a nearby gas station.
As a result of the investigation, police located and arrested two individuals.
A third person remains outstanding.
A photo of the third suspect is provided below.
The 52-year-old man and 22-year-old woman from Toronto are charged with
1. Theft under $5,000
2. Possession of stolen property obtained by crime under $5,000
3. Theft of Credit Card
4. Possession of Credit Card
5. Five counts of Use of Credit Card
6. Five counts of Use of Credit Card Data
7. Five counts of Fraud Under $5,000
Both were held for a bail hearing and subsequently remanded into custody.
It is believed the accused individuals have been involved in similar distraction theft crimes in other jurisdictions, and partner police services continue to investigate.
Anyone with information is asked to call police at 905-372-6821 or leave an anonymous tip with Crime Stoppers by calling 1-800-222-TIPS or visiting stopcrimehere.ca.
Tips received through Crime Stoppers may be eligible for a cash reward.
