The Peterborough Police Service is warning local residents of a distraction theft scam currently circulating in the area, and is seeking three suspects.
In March 2019, an elderly man was in a checkout line at a Lansdowne Street grocery store when three men, all dressed in matching construction outfits, worked in concert to distract him and steal his debit card.
While the victim paying with his debit card, one of the men got directly behind the victim and was able to see his PIN number. Another man moved in close to the victim, dropped money on the ground then told the victim he had dropped cash.
The victim believed it to be a distraction since he doesn’t carry cash. However, at some point during the interaction, the victim’s debit card was taken from him. A third man was also in the area of the checkout line.
All three fraudsters left the store after the interaction.
When the victim arrived home, he noticed his debit card was missing and notified his bank. The bank told the victim that his stolen debit card has been used three times at various ATM machines, withdrawing approximately $1,820.
Police report incidents of a similar nature with similar suspects have been taking place in other areas of the province.
Police are asking residents to remain vigilant when at a store checkout and to report any suspicious behaviour to police.
The three suspects are described at follows:
Suspect #1
- Caucasian male
- Approximately 40-50 years old
- 6’1-6’3
- Heavy set
- Dark goatee
- Black baseball hat with Miami Marlins logo
- Construction jacket with green and silver reflective stripes
- Dark boots
Suspect #2:
- Caucasian male
- Approximately 30-40 years old
- 6’1-6’3
- Medium build
- Black, yellow and white batman toque
- Construction jacket with green and silver reflective stripes
- Dark shoes
Suspect #3:
- Tan skin male
- Mid 30s
- 5’7-5’9
- Thin build
- Unshaven dark facial hair
- Black toque with white West Coast Choppers logo
Anyone with information on this incident or similar incidents in the area is asked to call the Peterborough Police Service at 705-876-1122 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS or Crime Stoppers online at stopcrimehere.ca.
