Distraction robberies targeting senior South Asian women rising in Edmonton

CRIME Distraction robberies targeting senior South Asian women rising in Edmonton By Karen Bartko Global News Posted September 16, 2026 4:09 pm 5 min read View image in full screen A file image of a bracelet being placed on a wrist. Edmonton police are reporting a spike in jewelry thefts against seniors being done through distraction. Getty Images LEAVE A COMMENT SHARE THIS ITEM ON FACEBOOK SHARE THIS ITEM ON X SEND THIS PAGE TO SOMEONE VIA EMAIL SEE MORE SHARING OPTIONS DESCREASE ARTICLE FONT SIZE INCREASE ARTICLE FONT SIZE Thefts conducted while a victim is being distracted has been a growing problem in Edmonton for more than a year but now, police say the crimes are escalating in aggression. On Wednesday, the Edmonton Police Service issued a warning about a recent escalation in distraction-style thefts that are now being investigated as personal robberies. Robbery is the crime of taking or attempting to take property from someone through the use of force, violence, or threats, whereas theft is usually considered to have been done without face-to-face confrontation. Since Aug. 19, police said they’ve received at least 20 reports of distraction-style robberies involving theft of jewelry in Edmonton. The thieves typically drive through residential areas looking for senior South Asian women and use various tactics to engage them in conversation. STORY CONTINUES BELOW ADVERTISEMENT 1:59 Distraction theft victim speaks out Stick to the Facts Add Global News as a Preferred Source on Google to see more of our stories in your search results. Police said during the encounters, the seniors are encourage to approach the vehicle. The people in the vehicle typically create a distraction by asking for directions, telling the woman she looks like their mother, offer or ask for blessings, among other tactics. “Recent reports indicate that the suspects then grab at the victim or pull her arm into the vehicle, and in some cases, forcibly remove her jewellery,” police said. Thankfully, no serious injuries have been reported as a result of the robberies but police are worried that may change. “Due to the forceful nature of these robberies and the fact that vehicles are involved, police are concerned that someone may get hurt,” said EPS investigative response team Det. Brys Francis. “We are asking anyone who has been victimized or witnesses this type of robbery to call police immediately at 911 and, if it is safe to do so, take down the suspect vehicle’s…