Elderly woman targeted as distraction theft turns violent in Mississauga

A man and woman who attacked and robbed an elderly woman as she walked in an east Mississauga neighbourhood in broad daylight are being hunted by police.

What began as a distraction theft-style robbery just before 4:30 p.m. on Friday, June 26 in the area of Garnetwood Chase and Rathburn Road East quickly turned violent as the female culprit got into a scuffle with the much-older woman and her accomplice covered the victim’s mouth before the pair fled with an 18-karat gold necklace and pendant.

Peel Regional Police said on Tuesday they’re seeking the public’s help in tracking down the attackers, who were driving a blue, newer model Kia Sportage as they pulled up next to the older woman prior to the attack.

Investigators said the victim was walking in the neighbourhood near Garnetwood Park when she was approached by a woman between 40 and 50 years of age who’d just exited the front passenger side of the vehicle.

“The female suspect approached the victim, repeatedly asking if she was OK while placing a fake gold chain around the victim’s neck,” police said in a news release. “When the victim attempted to push the suspect away and call for help, a struggle ensued. A second suspect, male, believed to be the driver of the vehicle, exited and briefly covered the victim’s mouth in an apparent attempt to silence her.”

Police say the attackers were driving a blue, newer model Kia Sportage at the time of the violent incident on June 26. (Photo: Peel Regional Police)

During the altercation, the attackers stole the victim’s 18-karat gold necklace and pendant, valued at approximately $3,500, police added.

The culprits then fled the area in the blue vehicle, which had no licence plates, according to police. It was last spotted travelling westbound on Rathburn Road East.

The female culprit is further described as having a medium build and black hair. She was wearing a colourful headscarf and a long black skirt, police said, adding the victim also reported that her female attacker spoke a combination of Croatian and English during the violent interaction.

No description of the man was provided to police.

Anyone with information, video footage or dash camera footage from the area between 3:45 and 4:30 p.m. on June 26 is asked to call police at 905-453-2121, ext. 1233, or Peel Crime Stoppers anonymously at 1-800-222-8477.

Investigators remind residents to be cautious when approached by strangers offering assistance, gifts or jewelry.

“Distraction thefts often involve suspects creating a diversion to steal valuable property,” police said.

Map shows general area of the June 26 robbery of an older woman.