Distraction theft attempts in neighbourhoods, parking lots, and near community mailboxes

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Thursday, April 23, 2026      11:44 a.m.

ATTENTION: Beware of distraction theft attempts in your neighbourhood; residential streets, community mailboxes, parking lots

Ottawa – The Ottawa Police Service (OPS) is asking residents to stay alert and help spread the word about distraction thefts that continue to occur across the city.

In a recent incident, a resident was approached while checking a community mailbox by a group of individuals in an SUV asking for directions.

The interaction quickly shifted, with the driver offering “gifts” such as jewellery and attempting to get physically close. The resident trusted their instincts, avoided physical contact, and left safely.

These types of incidents are often distraction theft attempts.

What’s happening

Distraction thefts typically involve individuals posing as friendly strangers or salespeople. They may:

• Ask for directions or strike up a conversation
• Offer “free” jewellery or try to place items on you
• Attempt to shake your hand or touch you
• Work in pairs or small groups, sometimes from a vehicle or including a youth

While one person keeps you engaged, another may try to steal jewellery, wallets, or other valuables.

Who is being targeted

Anyone can be approached, but suspects often target people who are alone, particularly seniors, or those wearing visible jewellery.

Where and when

These incidents are happening across Ottawa, often in:

• Parking lots
• Residential streets
• Near homes or community mailboxes
• Other public spaces

How to protect yourself 

• Keep your distance from strangers, especially if they approach from a vehicle
• Do not accept unsolicited gifts or jewellery
• Avoid physical contact
• Trust your instincts—if something feels off, walk away
• Keep valuables out of sight

Check in on seniors and loved ones

These scams often rely on people being polite and helpful. Take a moment to:

• Talk to older family members, neighbours, or clients about this tactic
• Remind them it’s okay to disengage and walk away
• Encourage them not to accept items from strangers

What to do if it happens

• If the suspects are still nearby, call 911
• Do not follow them
• Try to note details like:
  • Vehicle description and direction of travel
  • Physical descriptions
  • Clothing

How you can help

Anyone with seniors in their lives—businesses, families, community groups, friends, and personal support workers—is asked to talk to them about distraction thefts and how to stay safe.

Report distraction theft

To report an incident after the fact, contact the Ottawa Police Service at 613-236-1222, extension 7300, or report online at ottawapolice.ca/report.

Anonymous tips can be submitted to Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or crimestoppers.ca.

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Through the Community Safety Data portal data.ottawapolice.ca, members of the public can view, download, and interact with data released by the Ottawa Police Service.

Help make your community safer: register your information and security camera location at CAMSafe.ca to support investigations.

CONTACT: 
Media Relations
Tel: 613-236-1222, ext.  5366

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