Theft by diversion

The Ontario Provincial Police cautions business owners to be aware of theft by diversion tactics after five such incidences in Northeastern Ontario.

More information is included in the following news release issued by the OPP:
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(Northeastern Ontario)
The Ontario Provincial Police is investigating a string of five occurrences where store clerks have been distracted by customers who either create a diversion by knocking over merchandise displays or engage the clerk in conversation. It is only later that the victim realizes a theft has taken place – usually in a residence or office adjacent to the retail location. Over the last three weeks, the same suspect group has stolen cash, jewellery and safes containing valuables.

Retailers in Webbwood, Nipissing, Powassan, Trout Creek and Huntsville have fallen victim to thieves with this mode of operation.

The suspects appear to be a family consisting of two adult males, between 30 and 40-years of age, three adult females approximately 30-years of age, two young children and a teenaged girl. All the suspects are of dark complexion. Police believe that the group may be travelling in a dark coloured Dodge Caravan.

Police are seeking for the public’s assistance in locating these suspects. If you do have any information regarding these incidents or if you witness any suspicious behaviour please call the OPP at 1-888-310-1122 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.