The Strathcona County RCMP is warning residents in Sherwood Park, Alberta, about a series of five distraction thefts that occurred in local business parking lots between February 1 and March 1, 2026. These incidents involved suspects approaching shoppers and pretending to need help as a way to steal their personal items.
According to police, the suspects often flag down drivers by claiming they have an emergency and need money for food or gas. While talking to the victims, the suspects may offer fake jewellery or electronics in exchange for cash, or they may use the distraction to physically swap a person’s real jewellery for a fake version.
The suspects have been linked to rental vehicles that use out-of-province licence plates from British Columbia, Ontario, or Quebec. Police recommend that residents stay aware of their surroundings, keep their vehicle doors locked, and maintain their personal space when approached by strangers.
The Citizens on Patrol Society works with local police to monitor streets and shopping areas to help prevent these types of crimes. Anyone who experiences a suspicious encounter or sees something unusual is encouraged to report it to the local police detachment immediately.
