Cash and credit cards stolen from shoppers by brazen thieves in Ontario towns

Police are warning shoppers in several Ontario towns north of the GTA to protect their credit cards, debit cards and cash as brazen thieves have been stealing those items directly from their victims.

Dufferin County Ontario Provincial Police said in a news release issued Wednesday that in recent weeks officers have responded to a number of thefts “involving some sticky handed criminals preying on local shoppers.”

The culprits are targeting shoppers throughout the county, which includes Orangeville, Shelburne, Grand Valley and a number of other small communities.

“While shopping at local establishments, there have been several individuals who have fallen victim to having their debit cards, credit card and cash stolen right from their bags and purses,” police said.

Police offer the following tips on how people can protect their valuables:

• always keep your purse/bag on you and never leave it in your shopping cart
• when possible, have the purse/bag zipped shut
• keep your banking cards and cash in a separate compartment and less accessible
• have the opening of the purse/bag aligned directly in front of you, rather than off to the side or pushed behind your body
• be mindful of who may be lingering around you throughout the store
• be mindful of strangers engaging in convoluted stories or randomly asking for your assistance to draw you away from your cart. These thieves are usually not working alone

If you or someone you know have fallen victim to this sort of crime, contact your banking establish immediately and also call OPP at 1-888-310-1122.

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