A 76-year-old woman was assaulted and robbed while gardening outside her Ajax home on the afternoon of May 17, and Durham Regional Police are now turning to the public for help identifying two suspects.
The incident happened around 4:30 p.m. in the area of Old Harwood Avenue and Bray Drive, near Rossland Road and Harwood Avenue North. Police say a vehicle driven by a male suspect stopped in front of the home. A female suspect then got out, attacked the senior, and stole several gold bracelets and a necklace she was wearing. Before fleeing, the woman threw fake jewelry at the victim.
The victim suffered minor injuries in the assault. Investigators have not yet released descriptions of the suspects, as they continue to gather evidence.
According to the Durham Regional Police Service, this robbery fits a troubling pattern. Since February 2025, officers have received more than 65 reports of distraction thefts across the region, often targeting seniors who are alone outside their homes. In many cases, suspects use fake jewelry to swap with victims’ real valuables, but this incident escalated to a direct assault.
Detectives from the West Division Criminal Investigations Branch are asking anyone who lives near Old Harwood Avenue and Bray Drive and has security camera, dashcam, or cell phone footage from around 4:30 p.m. on May 17 to come forward. Tips can be called in to the branch at 1-888-579-1520 extension 1905. Anonymous tips are also welcome through Durham Regional Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).
