Muslim Community in Toronto Asked to Be Vigilant after Distraction Theft Incidents

IQNA – A public safety alert has been issued by police in Toronto about distractions thefts specifically targeting the Muslim community.

The police are asking Muslims to be vigilant.

The alert says incidents began to be reported around October 2024, where the suspects approach potential victims in parking lots, malls or stores and starting a conversation with them with a greeting, asking where the nearest mosque is or asking for money or help.

The suspect then uses the opportunity to steal from the victim’s pockets, bags or directly from their body.

In other instances, police say the suspects travel in a vehicle groups of four and approach victims, offering to sell them jewelry. Once the victims are close enough, the suspects remove the victim’s jewelry and replace it with costume jewelry. Victims don’t notice the swap and loss of property until after the suspects have fled the area.

Anyone with information or who feels they have been a victim of such a crime has been asked to contact police.

Source: toronto.citynews.ca