{"id":915738,"date":"2026-09-30T20:44:21","date_gmt":"2026-09-30T20:44:21","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/915738\/"},"modified":"2026-09-30T20:44:21","modified_gmt":"2026-09-30T20:44:21","slug":"elderly-woman-robbed-of-19k-in-gold-jewellery-in-brampton-police","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/915738\/","title":{"rendered":"Elderly woman robbed of $19K in gold jewellery in Brampton: police"},"content":{"rendered":"

Peel Regional Police (PRP) are warning residents about a recent rise in distraction thefts after an elderly woman was allegedly robbed of approximately $19,000 worth of gold jewellery during a brazen encounter in Brampton.<\/p>\n

Investigators say the theft happened on July 28 at around 6 p.m. near Chinguacousy Road and Sandalwood Parkway West.<\/p>\n

According to police, the woman was walking in the area when she was approached by two women travelling in a white SUV. One of the suspects allegedly got out of the vehicle, touched the victim\u2019s feet and hugged her in what appeared to be a friendly interaction. <\/p>\n

During the encounter, police say the suspect secretly swapped the victim\u2019s gold necklace for a metal one and removed three gold bangles from her wrists before fleeing.<\/p>\n

The theft is one of hundreds being investigated across Peel Region as police grapple with a dramatic increase in the crime.<\/p>\n

Police probing surge in similar incidents<\/p>\n

Peel police say they have received more than 230 reports of distraction thefts this year, while a total of 266 incidents had been reported by Aug. 12. The number marks a significant increase from previous years, with investigators recording 25 incidents in 2024 and 222 in 2025.<\/p>\n

Detectives are now examining potential links between thefts reported in Peel and similar incidents elsewhere in Ontario. Police say older adults are often targeted while alone, either in public places or outside their homes.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s an ongoing investigation, and we are pursuing connections between different cases \u2026 around the region,\u201d PRP Det. Nick Arakgi said at a press conference on Wednesday.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019ve seen cases where these culprits seem to work in teams, where there\u2019s multiple people in a vehicle that identify a vulnerable person and approach them. We\u2019ve seen cases where there\u2019s not only adults involved, but children in the vehicle as well to give that sense of perceived familiarity to the person they\u2019re approaching.\u201d<\/p>\n

Investigators say suspects commonly initiate conversations, ask for directions, offer gifts or attempt physical contact as a way to gain trust and distract victims.<\/p>\n

Statistics released by Peel police show nearly 85 per cent of reported incidents occurred during afternoon hours between noon and 4 p.m., while 77 per cent involved gold necklaces, chains, pendants or other jewellery.<\/p>\n

Deputy Chief Marc Andrews said many of the thefts happen in a matter of seconds.<\/p>\n

\u201cThese incidents can happen in a matter of seconds, and suspects may often rely on appearing friendly or helpful to gain the victim\u2019s trust,\u201d Andrews said. \u201cInvestigators across the region are committed to identifying those responsible and holding them accountable. We also want residents to recognize these tactics, trust their instincts and create distance when something does not feel right.\u201d<\/p>\n

Police are reminding residents to remain aware of their surroundings and to be cautious when approached by strangers.<\/p>\n

Anyone with information about the Brampton incident or other distraction thefts is asked to contact Peel Regional Police.<\/p>\n

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