Grimsby Detectives Appeal for Assistance Identifying Suspect in Distraction Theft

On March 4th, 2023, Niagara Regional Police Service (NRPS) officers assigned to 8 District (Lincoln / West Lincoln, Grimsby) began investigating a theft complaint stemming from the parking lot of the Real Canadian Superstore located at 361 South Service Road, in the Town of Grimsby.

Upon speaking with the complainant, officers learned they were approached in the parking lot after having exited the store by a male suspect who began asking questions related to the nearest hospital.  As the complainant was distracted, it is believed a second suspect seized the opportunity to take the complainants purse from their unlocked vehicle.  After arriving home, the complainant learned their purse was missing and later determined three of their credit cards had been used.

Detectives assigned to the 8 District Criminal Investigative Branch have assumed carriage of the investigation.  Surveillance images of the suspect have since been obtained and detectives are appealing to members of the public for assistance.

The suspect is described as follows:

-          Male

-          Middle Eastern

-          40-50 years

-          6’0” tall

-          Heavy build

-          Black hair

-          Black mustache

-          Black beard

The suspect was last seen wearing:

-          Grey toque

-          Black coat

-          Green sweatshirt with a hood

-          Black pants with white and gold lettering down the sides

-          Black shoes with a red sole

Anyone with information is encouraged to contact the lead detective by dialing 905-688-4111, option 3, extension #1009600

Members of the public who wish to provide information anonymously can contact Crime Stoppers of Niagara online or by calling 1-800-222-8477.  Crime Stoppers offers cash rewards to persons who contact the program with information that leads to an arrest.

Incident #23-21869