Guelph Police are warning residents about distraction thefts targeting seniors after two older men had gold chains stolen over the weekend. The incidents were among 699 calls for service in Guelph between August 8 and 10.
Police say the first theft happened around 8 a.m. on Saturday, August 8, near Brentwood Drive and June Avenue. An older man was outside his home when two people in a vehicle called out to him. When he approached, they began praying in another language and a female passenger offered him a necklace. After the vehicle left, he noticed his 14-karat gold chain was missing.
A second similar incident was reported later that day. In both cases, the suspects are described as a couple in a vehicle who used distraction tactics to steal jewelry directly from victims.
Guelph Police are urging residents to be cautious and avoid contact with strangers who approach them in vehicles. If approached, police advise noting descriptions and licence plates and reporting any suspicious activity.
The weekend also saw four impaired driving arrests in Guelph, including one at the Ontario Court of Justice parking lot on Wyndham Street South on Friday afternoon.
Distraction thefts targeting seniors have been on the rise across Ontario. Toronto Police reported a 1,235% increase in such thefts in 2025, with 374 incidents compared to 28 the previous year. Vancouver Police have documented 35 cases in 2026 with losses over $245,000.
Anyone with information about the Guelph incidents can contact Constable Dallas Baker at 519-824-1212 ext. 7217.
