Barrie senior reunited with stolen wedding ring after distraction theft arrests

Two suspects linked to distraction thefts across Canada were arrested in Winnipeg. A 75-year-old Barrie man's gold necklace and wedding ring have been returned.

Stolen jewelry returned to Barrie senior after cross-Canada distraction theft investigation

A 75-year-old Barrie man has been reunited with his gold necklace and wedding ring following a multi-city police investigation, barrie360.com reports. Two suspects connected to a series of distraction thefts across Canada have been taken into custody.

Winnipeg Police arrested a 27-year-old man and a 26-year-old woman from Scarborough in July as part of the investigation. Windsor Police subsequently executed a search warrant and recovered a significant quantity of jewelry, including the Barrie victim's items.

Investigators determined the pair had travelled across the country, committing thefts at multiple locations. Police say the two were in Barrie between June 28 and 30, and their descriptions and vehicle — a late-model, dark-coloured SUV — matched a distraction theft reported on June 28 on Lay Street.

The victim was standing in his driveway when the SUV pulled up. A woman described as having gold teeth initiated a brief conversation with the senior, offered him a necklace, and — while placing it around his neck — removed the gold necklace he was already wearing. His wedding ring was attached to that necklace. He did not notice the theft until after the suspects had driven away.

The stolen necklace and wedding ring were identified among the jewelry recovered during the Windsor search warrant. On October 11, Barrie Police returned both items to the victim.

Police believe additional victims may exist. Anyone who thinks they or someone they know may have been targeted by the suspects is asked to contact the lead investigator directly at [email protected].

Source: Google News CA — Crime (EN)