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Thieves are using distractions like helping a mark carry their groceries in a string of thefts, city police warn after recording 10 of the incidents in the past four days.

The grifters — men and women who operate in groups of two or more — are “targeting our senior population.”

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But the elderly aren’t the only victims, police said.

The thefts have happened outside stores, most often between noon and 4 p.m. The suspects approach the victims in public areas and parking lots, say that the victim has dropped money or point out a purported problem with their vehicle, then take their debit or credit cards while they’re distracted.

Remain vigilant for this happening to you or someone around you, police said, and call police about any similar encounters.

Hide your PIN when using debit and credit cards and lock your vehicle with keys in hand even when stepping away from it for seconds.

Anyone with information about these distraction thefts can contact the Ottawa police at 613-236-1222 ext. 7300. Anonymous tips can be submitted by calling Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or by downloading the Ottawa police app.

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