Toronto police are searching for two suspects who allegedly used ketchup as a distraction to steal money from an elderly victim outside a bank in Scarborough. The incident occurred on May 1, 2026, at around 9:06 PM EDT, according to a news release from the Toronto Police Service.
Distraction Technique
The suspects approached the victim outside a financial institution and reportedly squirted ketchup on the victim's clothing. While one suspect pretended to help clean the stain, the other took advantage of the confusion to steal cash from the victim's pocket. The elderly victim did not realize the theft until after the suspects had left the scene.
Suspect Descriptions
Police have released descriptions of the two individuals wanted in connection with the crime. The first suspect is described as a man in his 30s, approximately 5 feet 10 inches tall, with a medium build and short dark hair. He was last seen wearing a dark-colored jacket and jeans. The second suspect is described as a woman in her 30s, with a slim build and long dark hair, wearing a light-colored top and dark pants.
Investigation Ongoing
The Toronto Police Service's Financial Crimes Unit is leading the investigation. Authorities are urging anyone with information about the suspects or the incident to come forward. They also remind the public, especially seniors, to be cautious of distraction tactics used by criminals near banks and ATMs.
This type of theft, often referred to as a distraction theft or 'dirty trick' scam, involves perpetrators using a substance or a staged event to divert a victim's attention while an accomplice steals valuables. Police advise individuals to keep their belongings secure and to be wary of strangers offering unsolicited assistance.
