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An attempted theft in a business parking lot has prompted the Smiths Falls Police Service to warn residents about distraction-style thefts.
Police say the recent attempt happened in the area of Cornelia Street West and William Street West.
Distraction thefts typically involve a suspect misdirecting a victim’s attention in order to steal valuables such as wallets or jewelry. In this case, the suspect reportedly asked the victim to look at jewelry, then tried to get close enough to swap real items with inexpensive replacements.
Based on trend information and alerts across Ontario, police say older adults appear to be the primary targets.
While only one attempt has been reported locally, officers note this style of theft is well established in other parts of the province.
Anyone who believes they have been targeted or victimized is urged to contact Smiths Falls Police or the Ontario Provincial Police Lanark County detachment immediately.
