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Man, 71, has necklace stolen in sleight-of-hand theft

A man and a woman in a dark-coloured van sought following Bradford theft
20151230 South Simcoe Police KA 01
File photo. Kenneth Armstrong/Village Media

NEWS RELEASE
SOUTH SIMCOE POLICE
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South Simcoe Police Service officers are searching for two suspects after a sleight of hand theft in Bradford.

On Tuesday, Jan. 15, 2019 around 12 p.m., the 71-year-old male victim was walking to the entrance of a Holland Street West grocery store. A man in a dark-coloured van parked near the entrance called the victim over to ask for directions to the hospital. The victim complied.

Before leaving, a female suspect reached out in a motion like she was going to put a necklace around the victim's neck. The victim declined the supposed gift and the suspects quickly drove off. A few minutes later, the victim realized the gold necklace he was wearing was missing.

The male suspect is described as:

  • Olive complexion
  • Slim build
  • Wearing black hat


The female suspect is described as:

  • Olive complexion
  • Heavy build
  • black scarf over her hair


Vehicle description:

  • Dark coloured passenger van


We want our citizens to protect themselves against sleight of hand thefts. This type of theft preys on the helpful nature of our residents and the victims are often seniors.

Here are some tips:

  1. If you wear jewelry in public, conceal valuable items under your clothing.
  2. Don’t allow anyone you don’t know into your personal space.
  3. Tell the person that you are not interested and for them to leave you alone.
  4. Draw attention to the situation by calling for help.
  5. Call police and report the crime immediately.

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