Officers from the Niagara Regional Police Service are seeing a rise in distraction thefts since late February across Niagara. 10 incidents have been reported.
While there are some minor differences the general steps the distraction criminals are using are similar. Please see below.
Safety Tips
Always be aware and vigilant to your surroundings. Using “Tap” technology can reduce the risk of exposure to your PIN. Take steps to protect your PIN. Stand close and cover your typing hand. Upon entering your car, lock the doors. If a stranger comes to the car to speak to you, remain in the car and lower a window slightly. Consider waiting till you are alone or go to a safe location to assess the “problem”. Trust your intuition. If it feels suspicious in may very well be.
Anyone who feels they have been a victim of a distraction theft should report it to the police as soon as practicable. Anyone with information about suspects involved in distraction thefts can contact the police by calling 905-688-4111.
Members of the public who wish to provide information anonymously can contact Crime Stoppers of Niagara online or by calling 1-800-222-8477. Crime Stoppers offers cash rewards to persons who contact the program with information which leads to an arrest.
Click Here For Crime Stoppers Online
