Hamilton Police Disrupt Sophisticated Distraction Theft Network
Hamilton Police have announced significant progress in combating a disturbing trend of distraction-style thefts targeting senior citizens. Through a dedicated two-month investigation dubbed Project Heirloom, authorities have made 11 arrests and laid 84 charges against individuals allegedly involved in a coordinated criminal operation.
Alarming Rise in Distraction Crimes
Police investigators first noticed a concerning increase in these specialized thefts last year. By November 2025, Hamilton had recorded 96 distraction theft incidents, a number that exceeded the total combined incidents from 2021 through 2024. This dramatic escalation prompted the launch of Project Heirloom, a focused effort to dismantle what police describe as organized theft cells operating across multiple jurisdictions.
Modus Operandi and Geographic Patterns
The criminal network employed consistent tactics, with suspects deliberately distracting elderly victims in various settings including:
- Retail stores and grocery outlets
- Parking lots and public spaces
- Thrift stores and shopping centers
While committing these crimes, thieves would steal wallets, jewelry, banking information, and in one particularly egregious case, a luxury watch valued between $250,000 and $325,000. Detectives identified consistent patterns among suspects, with many operating from the Scarborough area while utilizing short-term rental accommodations and frequently changing rental vehicles to avoid detection.
Notable Incidents and Wanted Suspects
Police detailed several specific incidents that occurred during the investigation period:
- On November 8, 2025, three suspects targeted elderly victims at Food Basics on Mohawk Road East and later at Mission Thrift Store on Upper Gage Avenue, stealing wallets and PIN information before withdrawing thousands of dollars from victims' accounts.
- On November 18, 2025, a concerned citizen disrupted a distraction theft in progress at a Food Basics on Barton Street East, prompting suspects to attempt additional thefts at two other grocery stores before fleeing Hamilton.
- On December 18, 2025, two elderly victims reported wallet thefts while shopping at separate retail locations, with suspects removing wallets from shopping carts while victims were distracted.
- On December 21, 2025, an elderly victim was robbed in a parking lot near Queen Street North after being distracted by a woman placing costume jewelry on him before stealing his valuable watch.
- On January 6, 2026, another elderly victim was robbed in the parking lot of Starsky Fine Foods on Queenston Road after being approached by suspects offering costume jewelry.
Wanted Individuals and Ongoing Investigation
Hamilton Police have identified multiple wanted suspects in connection with Project Heirloom, including:
- Ana Marie Petrescu and Florian Stoian - wanted for multiple counts of theft, identity theft, trafficking in credit card data, and other related charges
- Florin Zmarandache and Elvira Zmarandache - believed to have fled Canada with outstanding warrants for theft and proceeds of crime charges
- George Ungur and Gina Ungur - wanted on multiple charges including use of stolen credit cards and identity theft
- Nicolae Alexandru and Rozaura Sirbu - wanted on robbery charges related to the January 6 incident
Additionally, Geovani Alexandru and Stefania Alesandru remain in custody facing charges including robbery and possession of property obtained by crime.
Police Response and Community Impact
During Project Heirloom, investigators executed search warrants at two residences allegedly connected to the criminal network, uncovering evidence of coordinated distraction-theft cells operating across Southern Ontario. Police allege that suspects would travel to Hamilton for single-day theft sprees before leaving the city for weeks at a time to commit similar offences elsewhere in the region.
"Project Heirloom remains ongoing," police stated, noting that investigators believe additional victims may exist. Authorities are encouraging anyone with information regarding this investigation to contact Hamilton Police at 905-546-4925 or Crime Stoppers anonymously at 1-800-222-8477.
The successful disruption of this criminal network represents a significant victory for community safety, particularly for vulnerable senior populations who have been disproportionately targeted by these sophisticated theft operations.
