Elderly woman has bank cards stolen from purse outside Oshawa grocery store

Durham Regional Police are looking for help from the public in identifying two men who they say distracted an elderly female outside an Oshawa store so they could steal bank cards from her purse.

The incident took place when the senior returned to her vehicle in the parking lot after stopping at a grocery store in the area of Taunton Rd. E. and Wilson Rd. N. back on Sept. 26, 2023.

Upon her return to her vehicle, the senior was approached by a male suspect who said he was from out of town and need her help with directions on his phone. While she was busy helping the man.

“During this time, the suspect discreetly removed bank cards from the victim’s purse,” said Durham police. “Cash was later withdrawn from the victim’s account without her knowledge.”

An investigation by police found that two males were involved in the distraction theft.

Police describe the first male suspect as white with a black moustache and a black goatee. He was wearing a black baseball hat with black sunglasses, a grey jacket and black shirt.

The second male suspect is described as white with a large build and had a black moustache and black goatee. He had on a red New York Yankees baseball hat and black sunglasses.

Police are asking that anyone with surveillance footage, dash cam footage, or any information about this incident to contact D/Cst. Ricot-Gomez of the East Division Criminal Investigation Branch at 1-888-579-1520, ext. 2732.

Anonymous information can be sent to Durham Regional Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or online at www.durhamregionalcrimestoppers.ca. Tippers may be eligible for a $2,000 cash reward.