Montreal police looking for victims of a pickpocketing ring
Global News : Monday, October 22, 2012 5:01 PM

Photo Credit: Police , Handout

Montreal – Police made four arrests in north Montreal in September – all related to a wave of pickpocketing robberies targeting the elderly.

The arrested suspects are two men and two women: Filip Stan, 26, Ionel Caldararu, 22, Uneria Miclescu, 22, and Mariana Sirbu, 24, who appeared on charges of robbery, theft of less than $5000, concealment and conspiracy to commit theft in 12 incidents.

To date, there have been 50 incidents connected to this pickpocketing ring, and the police anticipate further arrests. 

Modus operandi 
The network targeted their victims on the street or at a bus stop, acting alone, in pairs or even as a group.

They approached their target and offered jewellery (often fake), putting the items directly in the neck or arm of the victim.

While the person was distracted, they then stole the victim’s own more valuable jewellery or take other possessions.

Often the victims were unaware they had been robbed, although occasionally, the suspects were less discreet and would tear off the victim’s jewellery.

Police have good reason to believe that others may have been victims of these suspects.

They are asking those who may have been targeted or who may have witnessed such an incident to contact the local police or 9-1-1.

Prevention Tips
In light of these burglaries, Montreal police have suggested four tips to protect yourself.

1. Beware of strangers who may try to distract you with jewellery, a road map, a flat tire, etc.

2. Always keep your purse in front of you, rather than to the side or slightly behind, so that it is in view at all times.

3. Beware of jostling or crowding around you. This is often a diversion used by thieves.

4. When you enter a shop, don’t flaunt your money. Be discreet, as people may be watching you.

© Shaw Media Inc., 2012. All rights reserved.

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Article posted in Communities, Crime, Crime (type), Crime by ethnicity, European crime, Gypsy/Roma community, Robbery/Theft
  • Thyme Season

    First of all, these crooks should be deported at once. Of course, they will cry “discrimination and persecution” in their homeland, but it is time for Canada to hire Romanian consultants to find out how these “persecuted” behave in their countries.
    How did they get into Canada? Who approved their visa application as “tourists” (I guess this is how they got here)?
    In order to get the visa, an interview is normally conducted. Was the officer from the embassy satisfied with their answers?
    They came to Canada to do what they normally do, wherever they are: steal.
    I should, of course, mention that there are great gypsies, hardworking, who behave like any other normal, civilized citizen.
    These four are the low class of gypsies, with no education, who can hardly speak the official language of their country, who have no profession, trying to trick every single non-gypsy they meet.
    DEPORT THEM! Get their fingerprints and never let them return.
    Europe has had enough of them.
    Is Canada their new territory to defile?

  • DV

    I don’t even know how Canada allows such people to legally immigrate and obtain a permanent resident status. My family and I being from central Europe, we had to go through hell before we could immigrate – medical examinations, language examinations, diploma equivalences, “settle-in” tax, sell everything … the selection process was so strict that almost nobody passed it entirely.
    And now – pickpockets from the ghetto arrive in, free of charge ???

  • despisethem

    Dirty rotten p.o.s.—I hope they’re convicted and deported —no appeals upon conviction.Appeal from their own country only.Deport!Deport!Deport! We have their fingerprints–never allow them back here again.