Winnipeg police are warning residents about a rise in distraction thefts after a series of incidents in September that targeted elderly victims across the city. “When the man realized what was happening, he confronted the suspect,” Chancy said. New cases in SeptemberPolice say distraction thefts have increased in frequency and boldness. “We do believe there may be other distraction thefts throughout the city that have not yet been reported,” she said. “These individuals prey on the kindness of their victims,” Chancy said.