Woman facing additional charges in connection with distraction thefts in Toronto

The Toronto Police Services emblem is photographed during a press conference at TPS headquarters, in Toronto on Tuesday, May 17, 2022. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Christopher Katsarov

A woman suspected of being a part of a criminal organization responsible for distraction thefts in Toronto has been rearrested.

Toronto police said they received a call for theft in the area of Lawrence Avenue West and Black Creek Drive on the evening of July 27.

The woman allegedly targeted elderly and vulnerable members of the community, stealing a quantity of valuable jewelry.

She has been identified as 44-year-old Florentina Alexandru. She has been charged with theft over $5,000 and participating in a criminal organization.

Alexandru was initially arrested last month in connection with numerous distraction thefts between June and September. She and two other women were each charged with 11 offences.

Police in the Greater Toronto Area have said they are seeing an “alarming” and “concerning” trend in distraction thefts this year.