Toronto Police are searching for a man and woman who allegedly used ketchup as a distraction to steal from a senior citizen at a bank in Scarborough last month. Investigators have released images of the two unidentified suspects, hoping the public can help identify them.
Incident Details
According to police, the suspects followed an elderly victim into a bank located at Eglinton Square Shopping Centre, near Eglinton Avenue East and Pharmacy Avenue, around 2:20 p.m. on April 15, 2026. The pair observed the victim withdrawing money and then followed him out of the bank.
Police allege that the man squirted ketchup on the victim's back and walked away. The woman then approached the senior, pretending to help clean the back of his jacket. While the victim was distracted, both suspects stole his money and fled the scene.
Suspect Descriptions
The male suspect is described as having a heavy build and a short beard. He was wearing glasses, a black jacket, black pants, and light-colored shoes. The female suspect is described as having a slim build and dark hair in a ponytail. She was wearing a light-colored coat, a scarf, carrying a dark knapsack, and wearing white shoes.
Police believe there may be other victims who have not yet come forward. They urge anyone with information to contact them at 416-808-4100 or Crime Stoppers anonymously at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).
This incident is part of a concerning trend of distraction thefts targeting seniors in the Greater Toronto Area. Earlier this year, Hamilton police made 11 arrests in similar distraction-style thefts targeting seniors, and authorities in Whitby reported a case where a kind senior was targeted at a grocery store.
Police remind the public, especially seniors, to be vigilant when handling money in public places and to report any suspicious behavior immediately.
