Toronto woman accused of yet another distraction theft

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A Toronto woman accused last month of theft allegedly targeting elderly victims faces additional charges related to a separate incident in North York.

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Toronto police said officers responded to a theft call in the area of ​​Lawrence Avenue W. Black Creek Dr. on July 27 around 6 p.m.

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Police said the suspect was acting as part of a criminal organization that “worked together to commit a series of distraction thefts in Toronto.”

Police said the suspect targeted “elderly and vulnerable” people and allegedly stole a quantity of valuable jewellery.

On Thursday, police identified and arrested 44-year-old Florentina Alexandra for theft of more than $5,000 and participation in a criminal organization.

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Last month police said she was one of three women were arrested and charged after cops said there had been a string of distracted thefts targeting elderly victims this summer.

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Police said the trio operated as part of a criminal organization and committed thefts together between July and September. They are believed to have targeted elderly and vulnerable people and stole a quantity of jewellery.

On September 7, the 31st Precinct's Major Crimes Unit in North York executed a Criminal Code search warrant and arrested three people.

Alexander, Mirabela Lacatus, 27, and Florentina Alexander (same name), 37, all of Toronto, were charged with three counts of theft over $5,000, theft under $5,000, three counts of possession of proceeds of crime over $5,000. proceeds of crime under $5,000 and four counts of participating in a criminal organization.

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Police said at the time that they believed there were more victims and released photographs of the accused women.

Police also said last month that Theft, a distraction, has become “alarming” problem in Toronto.

Toronto Police Chief. Mandeep Mann said there had been 374 distraction thefts – where a thief diverts a victim's attention to steal valuables such as purses, purses, phones or jewelery – this year so far this year, compared with 28 during the same period last year.

Anyone with information is asked to contact police anonymously at 416-808-1200 or Crime Stoppers at 416-222-TIPS (8477) or 222tips.com.

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