Fraud Friday: Thefts and Robbery Prevention

The Thunder Bay Police Service is advising the public about theft and robbery tactics seen in the city, along with some prevention tips.
 
Distraction theft is 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 help 
• Damaging a vehicle (flatten tire, or spill on windshield) 
• Knocking on a door to ask for help
 
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 suspicious or criminal incidents immediately to police
 
A robbery or purse snatch can occur anywhere at any time.
 
In order to reduce your risk, there are many precautions you can take to avoid this type of crime.
 
Robberies can occur at any location where you are waiting or standing for an extended period of time, such as:
 
• Transit stops 
• ATM machines 
• In parking lots and garages 
• Isolated areas
 
How to prevent being targeted:
 
• Be aware of your surroundings; whenever possible avoid distractions that require your full attention like listening to loud music, wearing headphones on both ears, texting and taking phone calls 
• Keep to well-lit areas and avoid unknown shortcuts through isolated areas including parks and back lanes especially when traveling alone 
• When getting cash from a bank machine, be alert 
• Consider using indoor machines or locations that have a clear view and are not hidden. 
• Keep electronics or other valuables concealed and hidden 
• Avoid letting strangers into your personal space 
• At the very least, keep them at arm's length
 
If You Are a Victim
 
If you are the victim of a robbery, do NOT argue, fight or use any weapon.
 
Robbers are unpredictable and resistance in any form may escalate the level of violence.
 
Your safety is more important than any possession.
 
ALWAYS:
 
• Give up the item being taken/demanded 
• Make noise, scream/yell to create witnesses and deter robbers 
• Make a mental note of suspect clothing and description - height, weight, age, hair, tattoos, scars, direction of travel, time of robbery, and if any weapons or vehicles were used 
• Call 9-1-1 immediately and find a place of safety until police arrive 
• If you are injured seek medical attention 
• Notify Financial Institutions and Government Agencies of your stolen documents such as: 
o Social Insurance Card, Birth Certificate, Driver’s Licence, Health Card, Passport, Credit Cards, Debit Cards
 
Theft From Vehicle
 
The Thunder Bay Police Service has received several theft from vehicle reports this year. These incidents are typically crimes of opportunity — offenders look for unlocked vehicles or valuables left in plain sight.
 
How it happens:
 
• Offenders check door handles to find unlocked vehicles 
• Items are taken quickly from front seats, cup holders, or centre consoles 
• Visible bags, wallets, electronics, or loose change attract attention 
• Garage door openers or spare keys left inside vehicles are used to access homes
 
Tips to reduce your risk:
 
• Always lock your vehicle, even if you’re stepping away for a moment 
• Remove all valuables — wallets, purses, electronics, cash, tools 
• Do not leave garage door openers or spare keys inside your vehicle 
• Park in well‑lit, visible areas whenever possible 
• If you must leave items in your vehicle, store them in the trunk before arriving at your destination 
• Report suspicious behaviour, such as individuals checking door handles, to police
 
Stolen Bicycles
 
Bicycle thefts increase significantly during the warmer months.
 
Most thefts occur when bikes are left unlocked, secured with weak locks, or stored in easily accessible areas such as open garages or building entrances.
 
Common methods used by thieves:
 
• Cutting cable locks or thin chains 
• Taking unlocked bikes from yards, porches, or garages 
• Targeting bike racks where bicycles are improperly secured 
• Removing quick‑release wheels or seats to resell individually
 
How to protect your bike:
 
• Use a high‑quality U‑lock or hardened steel chain — cable locks are easily cut 
• Lock the frame and at least one wheel to a secure, immovable object 
• Store bicycles indoors or in locked areas whenever possible 
• Record your bike’s make, model, colour, and serial number 
• Take photos of your bike for identification 
• Report stolen bicycles immediately — recovered bikes are often returned to owners when serial numbers are on file