Durham Regional Police are asking Pickering residents for help identifying three suspects wanted in connection with a distraction theft that left an elderly woman without a cherished family heirloom.
The incident happened on Monday, Oct. 12, 2026, at about 10:30 a.m. near Whites Road and Atwood Crescent, according to Durham Regional Police.
An elderly woman was walking her dog in the area when a white SUV pulled up beside her. Two women got out of the vehicle and approached her, striking up a conversation.
What police say happened
During the exchange, one of the women placed a necklace around the victim's neck and removed the gold necklace she was already wearing, police said. The second woman grabbed the victim's arm and tried to take her bracelets.
Nearby residents saw what was happening and yelled at the suspects. The two women returned to the SUV, which was being driven by a man, and the vehicle fled northbound on Whites Road.
The stolen necklace is described as a long 22-karat gold chain with several pendants, including a cross with an elephant and a green stone pendant. Police said it is a family heirloom.
Suspect descriptions
The two female suspects are each described as approximately 30 years old, about 5'2" tall, with a heavy build. Both were wearing shawls or coverings over their heads and slippers.
The third suspect is described only as male. No further description was released. The suspects were travelling in a white Chevrolet SUV.
How to help
Investigators are asking anyone with information, video footage or dash-camera footage from the Whites Road and Atwood Crescent area around the time of the incident to contact investigators at 905-579-1520, toll free at 1-888-579-1520, ext. 1905.
Anonymous tips can be submitted to Durham Regional Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or online at durhamregionalcrimestoppers.ca. Tipsters may be eligible for a cash reward.
