Jewelry distraction thefts in parking lots and driveways
Strangers approach with a story, cheap jewellery to sell, or an unwanted hug, and slip your real chain or ring off while you are distracted.
How it works
In June 2026, Durham police announced 46 arrests tied to a network behind more than 200 incidents and 2.6 million dollars in losses across Durham and the GTA. The most common version: someone approaches you at a gas station, parking lot, or your own driveway, offers to sell "gold" jewellery, drapes a fake chain on you as a gift, or hugs you in gratitude, and your real jewellery leaves with them. The same network ran a used-car trick where a "buyer" secretly damages your vehicle during a viewing, then uses the damage to talk the price down.
What to do
- Keep your distance from strangers who try to get physical, drape anything on you, or hug you. Step back and walk away.
- Never buy jewellery from someone who approaches you in a parking lot. There is no bargain, only a switch.
- Selling a car? Have a second person with you and never leave the buyer alone with the vehicle.
- Report incidents to Durham police at 1-888-579-1520.
Sources
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