Toronto police are warning the public after a series of distraction thefts around the GTA that appear to target elderly women.

In a news release, police said that a group of men and women in a vehicle would approach people asking for directions to a hospital, gas money, or for “the blessing of a loved one who is sick.” As a sign of gratitude, police said they would place fake jewelry around the victim’s neck and then steal the victim’s personal jewelry.

Police describe the women as wearing head scarves and having olive complexions. The women are usually the ones making the initial contact while the men wait in the vehicle. Police also call the women “very hands-on and aggressive.”

The public is being asked to be aware of suspicious vehicles and activity. Police said the suspects have been seen in vehicles with both Quebec and Ontario license plates and have released photos of two suspect vehicles: a white Nissan Murano and a dark coloured Toyota Highlander.