Windsor police have charged three individuals in connection with a series of incidents in which they allegedly targeted unsuspecting people in parking lots, distracted them, and stole their jewelry.
Details of the Incidents
According to police, the suspects would engage victims in conversation and use various forms of distraction, such as physical contact and hugging, to steal jewelry. The thefts occurred between March and May of this year.
On May 6, just before 10 a.m., the suspects approached a woman in Amherstburg, began talking to her, and allegedly stole her jewelry. Less than an hour later, a similar incident was reported in a parking lot in the 3100 block of Dougall Avenue. In that case, police allege the suspects replaced the victim's real jewelry with costume pieces before fleeing in a vehicle.
Arrest and Charges
The suspect vehicle was located about an hour later by members of the Windsor Police Target Base Unit near Crawford Avenue and Tecumseh Road West. Three suspects were taken into custody without incident.
All three suspects face multiple charges, including:
- Two counts of theft over $5,000
- Two counts of fraud over $5,000
- Four counts of theft under $5,000
- Four counts of fraud under $5,000
- Two counts of possession of property obtained by crime over $5,000
- Four counts of possession of property obtained by crime under $5,000
- Conspiracy to commit an indictable offence
The 38-year-old suspect also faces two counts of failure to comply with a probation order.
Police Appeal for Information
Anyone with information is asked to contact the Windsor Police Service Target Base Unit at 519-255-6700, ext. 4350, or Windsor & Essex County Crime Stoppers anonymously at 519-258-8477 (TIPS) or online at catchcrooks.com.
