PETERBOROUGH-The Peterborough Police Service is investigating after two similar distraction-style incidents over the weekend targeting older women.
Both incidents happened in the area of Lansdowne Place Mall and in each case the victim was approached by a female asking a random question such as what time it was or if they had a cigarette.
The first incident happened Saturday, October 26, 2024, around 6:00pm when a 71-year-old Peterborough woman waiting at a bus stop near Borden Avenue and the road to the grocery store parking lot was approached by a female. The woman had hopped out of a small grey vehicle and asked her a question before grabbing the victim’s purse and running back to the vehicle. The victim attempted to hold onto the purse and was dragged for a bit. The victim was taken to Peterborough Regional Health Centre for treatment.
The second incident happened near the rear food court entrance of the mall on Sunday, October 27, 2024, at about 3:00pm when an 84-year-old Peterborough woman was approached by a woman who got out of a small grey vehicle. Before the victim knew it, the woman asked her a question and snatched her purse. The vehicle fled at a high rate of speed from the parking lot. The woman was not injured.
The suspect was described to police as:
- Female
- Thin Build
- Approximately 5’7
- Brown hair
- Wearing a dark sweater
In each case a male was driving the vehicle.
The vehicle was described to police as:
- Older model Grey Honda FIT
Anyone with information is asked to call Peterborough Police at 705-876-1122 x555 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or online at www.stopcrimehere.ca
