Trio of thieves targeting elderly victims leads to charges laid against 3 from Mississauga: police

Two women and a man from Mississauga believed to be involved in a string of thefts targeting elderly victims in southern Ontario have been charged.

The latest “distraction” theft happened on Friday and was just the latest in a series of similar recent pilferings where elderly victims have had items stolen, Waterloo Regional Police say.

Police say they were called to a store in the area of Erb Street West and Fischer-Hallman Road after an employee recognized two women believed to be involved in the thefts.

One of the women distracted the victim while the other stole belongings from the victims’ purse, investigators say.

Both of the women were arrested and officers found several bank cards, credit cards and cell phones during the investigation.

A getaway vehicle and driver were found waiting in the parking lot and police say a male occupant was also arrested. The vehicle was also impounded.

Waterloo police say a 34-year-old female, a 56-year-old female and a 38-year-old male, all from Mississauga, were arrested and charged with two counts of theft under $5,000, and unauthorized use of a credit card.

The male suspect was also charged with breach of probation.

The investigation is ongoing and additional charges are expected, police said.

Anyone with information about this incident can contact the Waterloo Regional Police by calling 519-570-9777 ext. 6370. Anonymous tips may also be provided to Crime Stoppers by calling 1-800-222-8477 or visiting www.ontariocrimestoppers.ca.

When you contact Crime Stoppers you stay anonymous, never have to testify, and could receive a $2,000 reward.