Barrie police warn residents not to hug strangers after 'bizarre theft'
Police in Barrie are warning the public about a "bizarre theft" where the suspects targeted a senior on her property outside her home.
According to police, an unknown woman approached the victim on Wednesday afternoon around 2:30 in a northeast neighbourhood and asked for directions to a drug store.
Police say the suspect offered the senior a gold-coloured ring "as a token of appreciation" for the directions and asked for a hug.
"When the victim complied, the female quickly removed a gold necklace from around her neck and replaced it with one that was a fake," police noted.
- Download the CTV News app to get local alerts on your device
- Get the latest local news updates sent to your inbox
Police say these types of distraction thefts have been common in jurisdictions south of Barrie.
"In this case, the victim was relieved of a gold chain that had both monetary and sentimental value," the service added.
Police say the suspect is described as Middle Eastern, in her 40s, with a heavy build and medium-length dark hair. She wore a beige and white shirt.
They say she was with a man, also Middle Eastern, in his 40s, with thin, dark hair and a full beard and moustache, who never left the vehicle, described as a black mid-sized SUV.
Police want the public, particularly seniors, to be aware of this scheme "so that no one else becomes a victim."
"Police are reminding the public that a stranger is a stranger, no matter how old you are and if a stranger offers you a hug, simply turn down the request, turn and walk away," the service concluded.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Deadly six-vehicle crash on Highway 400 sparked by road rage incident
One person was killed in a six-vehicle crash on Highway 400 in Innisfil Friday evening.
'Of course, yes': Poland latest European country with interest in Canadian LNG
The President of Poland says his country would 'of course' be interested in purchasing Canadian liquefied natural gas if it were available, while the Canadian federal government has said it is 'not interested' in subsidizing future projects.
Dozens in Italy give a fascist salute on the anniversary of Mussolini's execution
Dozens of people raised their arms in the fascist salute and shouted a fascist chant during ceremonies Sunday to honor Italian dictator Benito Mussolini on the 79th anniversary of his execution.
Invasive and toxic hammerhead worms make themselves at home in Ontario
Ontario is now home to an invasive and toxic worm species that can grow up to three feet long and can be dangerous to small animals and pets.
Britney Spears settles long-running legal dispute with estranged father, finally bringing ultimate end to conservatorship
Britney Spears has reached a settlement with her estranged father more than two years after the court-ordered termination of a conservatorship that had given him control of her life, their attorneys said.
Here's where Canadians are living abroad: report
A recent report sheds light on Canadians living abroad--estimated at around four million people in 2016—and the public policies that impact them.
What is a 'halal mortgage'? Does it make housing more accessible?
The 2024 federal budget announced on April 16 included plans to introduce “halal mortgages” as a way to increase access to home ownership.
Chants of 'shame on you' greet guests arriving for the annual White House correspondents' dinner
An election-year roast of U.S. President Joe Biden before journalists, celebrities and politicians at the annual White House correspondents' dinner Saturday.
Health minister 'deeply appreciative' of doctors but capital gains changes here to stay
Health Minister Mark Holland says while he is 'deeply appreciative' of the work doctors in Canada do, the federal government has no plans to scrap the proposed capital gains tax changes outlined in the latest budget, despite opposition from the Canadian Medical Association.