A distraction theft that took place Thursday afternoon in Barrie's south end has left a Wasaga Beach man without a gold chain of high sentimental value, leading to an investigation by Barrie Police.
Just before 2 p.m. Thursday, a senior male from Wasaga Beach was shopping at a big box store on Mapleview Drive East, and noticed a car approach suspiciously and slowly drive by him with a male and female inside as he was unloading his purchases into his car.
Once the man had unloaded his items from his cart, placed the cart into the corral, and made his way back to his car, the unknown woman got out of the suspicious car which had since circled back.
Barrie's News Delivered To Your Inbox
By submitting this form, you are consenting to receive marketing emails from: Central Ontario Broadcasting, 431 Huronia Rd, Barrie, Ontario, CA, https://www.cobroadcasting.com. You can revoke your consent to receive emails at any time by using the SafeUnsubscribe® link, found at the bottom of every email. Emails are serviced by Constant Contact
She quickly placed a gold chain around the man's neck, as well as two gold rings on his fingers. Three items the senior didn't ask for.
While leaving the new chain on the man's neck, which was later determined to be a fake, the woman also took a real gold chain the man had been wearing which featured a dolphin pendant.
The value of the man's real gold chain is estimated to be $4,500, while also carrying high sentimental value for the victim.
The incident was captured by video surveillance, which is aiding an ongoing investigation by Barrie Police.
This type of incident is often defined as distraction theft, which often targets senior victims in parking lots or when they are alone.
