West Division Community Response Unit

West Division's Community Response Unit (CRU) is dedicated to fostering a safe, inclusive, and secure environment within our communities. Our mission is grounded in a proactive and collaborative approach that emphasizes crime prevention, problem-oriented policing strategies, and active community engagement. Through these efforts, the CRU works to not only reduce crime but also address the underlying issues that contribute to disorder and social harm.

A cornerstone of the CRU’s work is building and maintaining strong, trusting relationships with community members, particularly our youth, local businesses, and neighborhood partners. By fostering these connections, the CRU gains valuable insights into the unique challenges and concerns faced by different areas within the community. This helps guide tailored responses that are both effective and sustainable.

On this page you will find information about crime trends and crime prevention information in Pickering and Ajax.

Distraction thefts:

Officers in West Division have seen an increase in distraction thefts and will be conducting awareness initiatives at various plazas to raise awareness.

DRPS distraction thefts are a trend where criminals use distractions like asking for directions or offering fake jewelry to physically swap a victim's real jewelry with fake items. The Durham Regional Police Service has issued several warnings about this scam, which often involves suspects working in pairs or trios, frequently using a vehicle. To protect yourself, be cautious of strangers offering unsolicited gifts, stay alert during unusual interactions, and report any suspicious activity to the police.

How the Thefts Work

Approach:

Suspects will approach victims in public places, such as while they are walking, gardening, or sitting outside their homes.
Distraction:

They create a diversion by asking for directions, pretending to be distressed, or offering a "gift" of fake jewelry.
The swap:

During the interaction, often involving physical contact like hugging or shaking hands, the suspect discreetly removes the victim's real jewelry and replaces it with a fake piece.
The escape:

The suspect(s) then flee the area before the victim realizes their property has been stolen.

How To Stay Safe

Be cautious:

Be wary of strangers who approach you in public and offer unsolicited gifts or jewelry.
Stay alert:

Remain aware of your surroundings, especially during unexpected or unusual interactions.
Keep valuables out of sight:

When in public, try to keep expensive jewelry out of view.
Report suspicious activity:

If you see anyone acting suspiciously or you are the victim of a distraction theft, contact the police immediately and provide any details you can, such as descriptions of the suspects and their vehicle.

Click for a PDF of distraction theft prevention tips

Durham Regional Police Service
605 Rossland Rd. E.,
Box 911, Whitby, ON
L1N 0B8

888-579-1520, press 0

webmaster@drps.ca (Please use this email for website feedback ONLY, NOT crime reporting)

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