Kingston Police seek to identify grocery store ‘distraction theft’ suspects

Kingston Police have released the above photos and are requesting public assistance to identify the two men pictured, suspects in the theft of a purse from an elderly shopper at a grocery store located in the Kingston Centre.

According to police, the two men used “distraction theft” techniques to carry out the crime. On Tuesday, May 18, 2021, a 93-year-old female shopper was at the grocery store in central Kingston when, at approximately 10:35 a.m., she was approached by the two male suspects while in one of the supermarket aisles. The first suspect walked past the victim, while the second suspect stopped and selected items from the shelves before engaging the victim in conversation. While the woman was distracted by the first man, the second man stole her purse, which had been hanging on her walker.

The two suspects then left the store and went to a convenience store where they made purchases with the victim’s stolen credit card. The duo then proceeded to a second store, where the victim’s debit card was used to make purchases.

Both suspects were captured on security video. Although they are both wearing masks, police were able to obtain descriptions of the pair, according to a press release from Kingston Police on Wednesday, May 19, 2021.

The first suspect (Suspect 1) is described as a Caucasian male between 20 and 30 years old, standing 5’7” and weighing approximately 150 lbs. with a slim build and a fair complexion. He had short hair, and was wearing a black baseball cap, a “distinctive” green and white collared, short-sleeved shirt, and black pants. He was also wearing white Air Pods in both ears.

The second suspect (Suspect 2) is described as a Caucasian male between 25 and 35 years old, standing 6’0” and weighing approximately 235 lbs, with a heavy build and a fair complexion. He had a full dark brown or black beard and was wearing a black and grey baseball cap, a grey short-sleeved t-shirt, and black pants. He was also wearing green running shoes.

Anyone with information in regards to the identity of these two theft suspects is asked to contact Detective Wein at 613-549-4660 ext. 6198, or via email at [email protected].