A man and a woman have been charged with organized crime offenses following an alleged distraction theft targeting an elderly woman and her grandchild in North York.
The incident occurred around 10 a.m. on May 18 near Falstaff Avenue and Culford Road, close to Keele Street and Highway 401.
Police allege a male suspect lured the child toward a van while a female suspect engaged the elderly victim in conversation.
Authorities say the woman distracted the senior while the man occupied the child, allowing the pair to steal the victim’s jewelry before fleeing.
Investigators identified and arrested two suspects in connection with the case.
Constantin Porumbita and Bianca Mitran, both 41 and from Toronto, each face one count of robbery and one count of participating in or contributing to a criminal organization.
Police have released images of the accused, citing concern that there may be additional victims who have not yet come forward.
Members of the public with information are asked to contact police or submit tips anonymously through Crime Stoppers.
