TORONTO [Peter Paul Media] — In the heart of our busiest streets, a new form of crime is catching residents and tourists off guard. Known as distraction thefts, these incidents rely not on brute force, but on deception — a momentary lapse in attention that can cost victims their wallets, phones, or jewelry in seconds.
The Toronto Police Service (TPS) warns that distraction thefts “are a concern across Toronto and it can happen anywhere at any time and usually very quickly.”
In a recent case, TPS issued a news release seeking assistance in finding two men wanted for a distraction-theft incident in the Eglinton Avenue East & Pharmacy Avenue area: the suspects followed victims to ATMs, observed PIN entries, then used distraction methods to obtain debit cards for further fraudulent use.
Another investigation uncovered a group allegedly operating as an organized network targeting senior citizens in public places — one victim was robbed of a gold chain after being approached by a person who then ‘helped’ put a fake necklace on them.
Common scenarios:
In parking lots and near bank machines, you might encounter someone pointing out “damage” to your vehicle or “helping” with groceries — while an accomplice grabs something from your car. On city sidewalks a stranger may ask for change, drop papers, or “accidentally” spill something — and while you’re focused on the interaction, they’re targeting your bag or pocket.
In cafés and on transit, thieves exploit the crowd: one person distracts you while another lifts your item quietly. For example, TPS emphasises that the offenders may include people who “operate in pairs or groups, with one person distracting the victim while the other(s) take the opportunity to steal.”
How to protect yourself:
Stay alert in public-spaces such as shopping areas, bank fronts, parking lots, and crowded transit stops — there is no “safe zone” when it comes to distraction theft, according to the police. Keep your valuables (phones, wallets, jewellery) out of sight and close to you at all times.
Don’t hang bags or purses on the back of chairs or leave them dangling off a table in a café. When someone offers to help unexpectedly, pause and assess the situation before you engage — criminals are known to stage “helping” behaviours to gain trust. Do not assume someone who approaches you is benign, especially if there is more than one person involved.
When using ATM machines or bank lobbies, shield your PIN carefully and be aware if someone lingers behind you — as seen in the October 2025 case where the suspects followed victims into ATM areas and used that opportunity to steal cards.
If you’re helping a stranger (or someone offers help), keep your focus on your surroundings and your possessions — distraction theft often begins with a harmless-seeming engagement. In vehicles, lock your doors even while unloading groceries or preparing to leave.
If you feel something is off — act, because it probably is. Move to a safer location and contact police rather than trying to handle a suspicious situation alone, especially at night.
TPS has stepped up efforts, not only investigating individual cases but disrupting organised distraction-theft rings. The September 2025 report highlights arrests of women alleged to be part of a network that targeted seniors across the city.
Community groups and neighbourhood-watch associations have also flagged significant increases. One community news post noted: “Toronto Police warn of rising distraction thefts — here’s how to stay safe.”
The message is clear: these crimes matter not only for financial loss, but for the emotional and psychological impact on victims — particularly older residents who may feel ashamed or vulnerable.
Toronto remains a safe and vibrant city, but distraction thefts serve as a reminder that even familiar environments can present risks. Staying aware — and staying calm — can make all the difference.
Peter Paul Media 