Winnipeg police warning of 'concerning' thefts where suspect attempts to distract victim
Officers with the Winnipeg Police Service are warning the public about three “concerning” thefts that happened between March 11 and 14 where the suspects made persistent attempts to distract the victims.
Police noted that in all the incidents the victims were women shopping on Regent Avenue or McPhillips Street.
The first theft took place on March 11 when a woman in her 70s, who was shopping on Regent Avenue, was approached by a man.
Officers allege the victim was “intentionally” distracted and had her wallet stolen from her shopping cart. The woman’s bank account was later accessed, but the transaction was denied.
On the same day, the second victim, who is also a woman in her 70s, was in the parking lot of a McPhillips Street grocery store when she was approached by two men.
Police said the woman was distracted by being told that her car was on fire, and while she investigated this non-existent fire, her wallet, which contained money and a debit card, was stolen.
The second victim’s account was accessed, but the transaction failed.
Then on March 14, a woman in her 60s was shopping at a grocery store on McPhillips Street when she was approached on two separate occasions – once inside the store and once when she was putting away her groceries in the parking lot.
In this situation, police said a man attempted to distract her and managed to steal her cellphone.
No one was hurt. In all three incidents, the victims and suspects did not know each other.
Police emphasize the fact that the thefts were carried out after attempts to distract the victims. Winnipeggers are reminded to always be aware of their surroundings, especially when being approached by strangers.
Anyone with information on these incidents is asked to call 204-986-6222 or Crime Stoppers at 204-786-8477.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
From outer space? Sask. farmers baffled after discovering strange wreckage in field
A family of fifth generation farmers from Ituna, Sask. are trying to find answers after discovering several strange objects lying on their land.
Pearson gold heist suspect arrested after flying into Toronto from India
Another suspect is in custody in connection with the gold heist at Toronto Pearson International Airport last year, police say.
Broadcaster and commentator Rex Murphy dead at 77: National Post
The National Post is reporting that Rex Murphy, the pundit and columnist who hosted a national call-in radio show for decades, has died.
Millions of cyberattacks per hour as B.C. government investigates multiple breaches
Careful attention to government statements and legislation is required to get a handle on the level of risk British Columbians’ information is under, as investigators probe multiple breaches under a continued barrage of attacks.
Ontario family receives massive hospital bill as part of LTC law, refuses to pay
A southwestern Ontario woman has received an $8,400 bill from a hospital in Windsor, Ont., after she refused to put her mother in a nursing home she hated -- and she says she has no intention of paying it.
Debate on abortion rights erupts on Parliament Hill, Poilievre vows he won't legislate
A Conservative government led by Pierre Poilievre would not legislate on, nor use the notwithstanding clause, on abortion, his office says, as anti-abortion protesters gather on Parliament Hill.
Justin and Hailey Bieber are expecting their first child together
Hailey and Justin Bieber are going to be parents. The couple announced the news on Thursday on Instagram, both sharing a video that showcases Hailey Bieber's growing belly.
Here are the ultraprocessed foods you most need to avoid, according to a 30-year study
Studies have shown that ultraprocessed foods can have a detrimental impact on health. But 30 years of research show they don’t all have the same impact.
New 'Lord of the Rings' film coming in 2026
The Oscar-winning team behind the nearly US$6 billion blockbuster 'Lord of the Rings' and 'The Hobbit' trilogies is reuniting to produce two new films.