Toronto Police have identified a 37-year-old female suspect wanted in connection with a distraction theft in Scarborough last month, which investigators believe specifically targeted elderly individuals.
The incident occurred on April 5, 2026, at approximately 2:20 p.m. in the Birchmount Road and Eglinton Avenue East area. According to police, the victim was sitting in his car when two women approached him and asked for directions. While he was providing assistance, one of the suspects removed his gold necklace from his neck and replaced it with a fake gold necklace. The women then fled the scene in a black SUV.
Police also reported a second attempted distraction theft on April 17 at around 12:30 p.m. in the Ellesmere Road and Wye Valley Road area. In this case, a woman approached a victim who was walking and engaged her in conversation. The suspect attempted to remove the victim's real gold chain but was unsuccessful. She then fled in a black SUV.
Victoria Miclescu, of Toronto, is now wanted for theft over $5,000 and attempted theft not exceeding $5,000. Police have not released a description of the second female suspect.
Distraction thefts often involve multiple individuals who divert the victim's attention to steal valuables such as wallets, purses, phones, or jewelry. One person distracts the victim while another steals the items. These crimes frequently occur in public places and are a common tactic used by pickpockets and scam artists.
Anyone with information about these incidents is urged to contact Toronto Police at 416-808-4100 or Crime Stoppers anonymously at 416-222-TIPS (8477).
