News release - Barrie Police Service
The Barrie Police Service is warning shoppers to be aware of their surroundings and people at all times, especially in area grocery stores where they can be distracted and become a victim of theft and fraud.
Police are trying to identify two males who are wanted for a distraction theft and subsequent fraud involving stolen credit cards that occurred at an east-end grocery store on June 8, 2023.
From the investigation that followed, police have learned that the victim was approached by an unknown male in an aisle of the store who engaged her in discussion about a grocery item.
As she was briefly drawn away from her shopping cart, a second male approached the cart, unzipped and reached into her purse and stole a number of credit cards, points cards and financial institution cards.
Within minutes of the conversation concluding, the victim began receiving notification that her credit cards were being used and it was at this time that she realized she had been a victim of distraction theft.
Before she could cancel all the stolen cards, the suspects were able to make just over $1,400 in purchases from a nearby box store.
Police are trying to identify two male suspects who were captured on the grocery store’s video surveillance system.
Suspect 1 is described as non-white, with a thin build, wearing white high-top running shoes, blue jeans, a collared navy button-up shirt over a white shirt and a black ball cap with a white logo. He appears to be 25-35 years of age and has a black chin-strap-style beard.
Suspect 2 is described also described as non-white, with a medium build, wearing white Nike high-top shoes, black pants, a gray long-sleeve shirt and a gray ball cap. He appears to be clean-shaven and approximately 25-35 years of age.
If anyone recognizes either of these suspects, you are encouraged to contact the investigating officer Constable Mellish at 705-725-7025, extension 2634.
Banner image - file photo - Barrie 360
