Elderly Kingston resident robbed of gold jewellery in distraction scam

Two suspects in a black SUV approached an elderly victim near Division Street, swapping real gold necklaces for fake jewellery. Kingston Police are urging residents to stay alert with strangers.

Jewellery swap scam targets elderly victim in Kingston, Ontario

Kingston Police are warning residents to exercise caution when approached by strangers in public, after an elderly person was allegedly targeted in a jewellery theft scam on Saturday afternoon, thewhig.com reports.

The incident took place on Sept. 27 at approximately 2 p.m. near Division Street and Conacher Drive. Two individuals arrived at the scene in a black SUV and approached the victim.

One suspect — described as a woman wearing a head covering or scarf — offered the victim a rose. During the exchange, police allege she removed two gold necklaces and a medical alert bracelet from the victim, replacing them with imitation jewellery. The victim did not immediately notice the theft.

Investigators said the method relied on close physical contact and deliberate distraction, a tactic consistent with similar jewellery swap scams reported in other jurisdictions across Canada.

Kingston Police have issued several specific advisories in response to the incident. Residents are encouraged to maintain a safe conversational distance from unfamiliar individuals, particularly when those individuals offer gifts or request directions. Police also cautioned the public not to allow strangers to place items on their person or make unsolicited physical contact, as thieves may exploit such moments to steal valuables undetected.

No further descriptions of the two suspects have been released. The investigation remains ongoing.

Police are asking anyone who may have experienced a similar encounter in the Kingston area to come forward. Tips can be submitted through the Kingston Police online reporting system or by calling the non-emergency line at 613-549-4660.

Source: Google News JM — Kingston