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Public Advisory: Jewelry Distraction Thefts in York Region

Posted on Friday February 20, 2026

York Regional Police is alerting residents about ongoing jewelry distraction thefts following two recent reports involving the same suspects in the City of Markham.

In these distraction-style thefts, suspects drive through neighbourhoods looking for vulnerable individuals, most often seniors, who are alone and wearing visible jewelry. One suspect may approach the victim on foot or lure them closer to a vehicle by asking for directions.

During a brief interaction, the suspect will remove the victim’s jewelry and replace it with fake gold items such as a bracelet, ring or necklace before quickly fleeing the area.

In two incidents on February 19, a female suspect approached victims in grocery store parking lots and attempted to engage them in conversation while offering fake gold jewelry. After stealing the victims’ jewelry, she ran to a grey Honda sedan occupied by additional suspects, and the vehicle fled the scene. There were no injuries reported in either incident.

Police are reminding the public to remain vigilant and take the following precautions:

  • Be cautious of strangers attempting to converse with you in public.
  • Be wary of individuals who are overly friendly or asking for directions while intruding on your personal space.
  • Secure your valuables in a way that makes them difficult for others to access.
  • Immediately report any suspicious activity or persons, or if you become a victim, to the police.
  • Criminals take advantage of opportunities. Don’t give them the chance to make you a victim.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the York Regional Police #5 District Criminal Investigations Bureau at 1-866-876-5423, extension 7545. Anyone seeking to provide information anonymously can call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS or provide a tip online at www.1800222tips.com. 

Visit our Community Safety Data Portal for complete stats and crime data within York Region. Crime prevention is our shared responsibility. Learn more about Operation Streetview.

Prepared by: Constable Lisa Moskaluk

                     26-60223 / 60351

                     February 20, 2026