Toronto Police on the Hunt for Distraction Thieves

Toronto is buzzing with concern as police are urgently seeking five suspects linked to a string of clever distraction thefts and fraud schemes that have been plaguing the city.

A Chilling Pattern of Crime

Between October 9, 2024, and February 28, 2025, officers received five chilling reports where elderly victims were targeted at ATMs. The suspects approached these vulnerable individuals, distracting them just long enough to snatch their bank cards and execute further thefts.

The Suspects: Who Are They?

Descriptions of the suspects paint a picture of a tightly-knit group preying on unsuspecting seniors. The first suspect is a man aged 30 to 45, standing between 5'10" and 6'2" with a medium build, dark hair, and a full beard. The second male suspect, aged 35 to 50, is between 5'8" and 5'10" and has a medium build along with dark hair and a beard. The third suspect, also a man, is aged 30 to 45, standing at approximately 5'7" to 5'10" with dark hair and a goatee.

The two female suspects are similarly described: the first woman is between 30 and 45, 5'2" to 5'8", with a medium build, while the second woman, aged 30 to 50, is between 5'5" and 5'8" and has a heavy build with long brown hair.

Police Urge Public Vigilance

With crime rates rising, police have released photographs of the suspects and are calling on the public to help track them down. They have also issued essential safety tips for ATM users.

"Do not let anyone distract you during your transaction at an ATM or while making a debit/credit purchase, regardless of how friendly they may seem. Stay alert to your surroundings, and if you notice any suspicious individuals nearby, choose a different ATM," urges the police in their press release.

Help Us Catch These Criminals!

As the investigation continues, community awareness is crucial. If you recognize any of the suspects or see anything suspicious at your local ATM, don't hesitate to contact the authorities. Let's work together to keep our community safe!