Niagara police are recognizing an increase in distraction theft in the region, saying there have been 10 incidents reported since late February.

One specific incident happened in Grimsby on Mar. 4 in the parking lot of the Real Canadian Superstore located at 361 South Service Rd.

Police say a man approached a victim in the parking lot and started asking questions about the nearest hospital. A second suspect allegedly stole the victim’s purse while she was distracted by the conversation.

The victim only realized when they got home that their purse was missing and three of their credit cards had been used.

In this particular case, the suspect is described as a Middle Eastern man, six feet tall, 40 to 50-years-old, with a heavy build, black hair, black mustache and black beard.

Police say that although there are small differences in the interactions, the general theme of the thefts is the same.

Multiple suspects will enter larger retail stores and wander around until they find someone to target. They will then follow the victim to the register and watch to see what numbers they input as their pin when they check out.

Once they know the victim’s pin number, they follow them to their vehicle.

The suspects wait until the victim is seated, then initiate conversation by pointing out something wrong with their car, like a flat tire. When the victim gets out of their car to investigate the problem, a different suspect opens the passenger side door and steals cards from the victim’s wallet.

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Police say these suspects use a distraction type of tactic in order to steal from unsuspecting residents.

The following safety tips are suggested in order to protect yourself from this type of crime:

• Always be aware and vigilant of your surroundings.
• Use “tap” technology to reduce the risk of exposing your PIN.
• Take steps to protect your PIN like standing close to the machine and covering your hand.
• Lock the doors immediately when you get in your car.
• If a stranger comes to the car to speak to you, remain in the car and lower a window
• slightly.
• Consider waiting until you are alone or go to a safe location to assess the “problem”.

Police say to trust your intuition. If it feels suspicious, it may very well be.

Investigators recommend that anyone who feels they have been a victim of a distraction theft should report it to the police.

Anyone with information about the suspects involved can contact police at 905-688-4111.