Thunder Bay, ON — The Thunder Bay Police Service is advising the public about theft and robbery tactics seen in the municipality, along with some prevention tips.Distraction theftis a type of theft where the victim’s attention is diverted in order to steal valuables like a wallet or phone.Criminals will operate as individuals or in pairs, with one person distracting the victim while the other takes the opportunity to steal your belongings.How does it happen?The thief (or a group) creates a distraction.Here are some common examples:• Asking for directions• Spilling something on the victim• Dropping money• Starting an argument• Pretending to need assist• Damaging a vehicle (flatten tire, or spill on windshield)• Knocking on a door to ask for contribute to While the victim is focused on the distraction, an accomplice or the same person takes the opportunity to steal their belongings.Tips to protect yourself• Stay aware of your surroundings• Keep your belongings close and zipped up• Be cautious when approached by strangers with odd or overly engaging behavior• Avoid placing valuables on tables or hanging bags on chairs in public places• If someone is close enough to put a necklace on you, they are too close• Report any sus.
The Thunder Bay Police Service is advising the public about theft and robbery tactics seen in the municipality, along with some prevention tips.Distraction theftis a type of theft where the victim’s attention is diverted in order to steal valuables like a wallet or phone.Criminals will operate as individuals or in pairs, with one person distracting the victim while the other takes the opportunity to steal your belongings.How does it happen?The thief (or a group) creates a distraction.Here are some common examples:• Asking for directions• Spilling something on the victim• Dropping money• Starting an argument• Pretending to need assist• Damaging a vehicle (flatten tire, or spill on windshield)• Knocking on a door to ask for contribute to While the victim is focused on the distraction, an accomplice or the same person takes the opportunity to steal their belongings.Tips to protect yourself• Stay aware of your surroundings• Keep your belongings close and zipped up• Be cautious when approached by strangers with odd or overly engaging behavior• Avoid placing valuables on tables or hanging bags on chairs in public places• If someone is close enough to put a necklace on you, they are too close• Report any sus.
The Thunder Bay Police Service is advising the public about theft and robbery tactics seen in the municipality, along with some prevention tips.Distraction theftis a type of theft where the victim’s attention is diverted in order to steal valuables like a wallet or phone.Criminals will operate as individuals or in pairs, with one person distracting the victim while the other takes the opportunity to steal your belongings.How does it happen?The thief (or a group) creates a distraction.Here are some common examples:• Asking for directions• Spilling something on the victim• Dropping money• Starting an argument• Pretending to need assist• Damaging a vehicle (flatten tire, or spill on windshield)• Knocking on a door to ask for contribute to While the victim is focused on the distraction, an accomplice or the same person takes the opportunity to steal their belongings.Tips to protect yourself• Stay aware of your surroundings• Keep your belongings close and zipped up• Be cautious when approached by strangers with odd or overly engaging behavior• Avoid placing valuables on tables or hanging bags on chairs in public places• If someone is close enough to put a necklace on you, they are too close• Report any sus.
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🔗 Read the original report from TB Police (web)
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📍 Source: TB Police (web) · By: TB Police · 🗓️ July 06, 2026 · 🏠 ThunderBay.Online
