Hamilton Police are advising the community of two separate and unrelated distraction-theft investigations involving similar methods used to target victims through deceptive interactions. While the incidents are not connected, both involved suspects engaging victims in conversation and using distraction techniques to commit jewelry thefts.

Incident 1 – Suspect Identified and Wanted in September Theft Series

Hamilton Police have identified Florentina Miclescu Paun (DOB: 1986-12-01) in connection with three distraction-theft incidents from September 2025. Paun is currently wanted, and investigators are seeking public assistance in locating her.

Contact Information:
• Detective Constable Krista McKinney
• Phone: 905-546-2955
• Email: kmckinney@hamilton.ca
• Crime Stoppers (anonymous): 1-800-222-8477

Incident 2 – Arrest Made in October Distraction Theft Series

In a separate investigation, police have arrested Victoria Miclescu, a 36-year-old woman from Scarborough, in connection with five distraction-theft incidents reported on October 24, 2025, in the Hamilton Mountain area. Victims—primarily seniors—were approached for directions or prayers before the suspect attempted to place jewelry on them as a distraction.

Charges:
• Theft Under $5000
• Theft with Intent to Steal Under $5000 (four counts)

Police are reminding the community to remain vigilant and to report suspicious behaviour.

Crime Prevention Tips – Avoiding Distraction Thefts

• Be cautious when approached unexpectedly by strangers.
• Do not allow individuals to place jewelry or other items on you.
• Keep personal belongings and jewelry secure and concealed.
• If you feel unsafe, create distance and seek assistance immediately.
• Report suspicious activity to police as soon as possible.

A 76-year-old male was approached by two males driving a black Audi vehicle. The suspects told the victim they had a gift from their mother for him and encouraged him to lean closer. They placed a gold necklace around his neck and a gold ring on his finger. Shortly after leaving the area, the victim realized that the gifts were fake and that his own necklace had been stolen.

The stolen necklace is described as a gold chain with a gold cross pendant.

No license plate was obtained.

The suspects are described as the following:

• Two males
• Tanned complexion
• Wearing baseball hats

Distraction thefts often target elderly persons and people with disabilities. Hamilton Police remind the community of the following safety tips:

• Be cautious when approached by strangers offering gifts, jewelry, or other items.
• Keep a safe distance and avoid allowing strangers to place items on your body.
• Trust your instincts — if something feels unusual, remove yourself from the situation.
• Report suspicious activity to police immediately.

Police believe there may be more victims in Hamilton. If you have any information about this occurrence, please contact the on-duty Division 30 Staff Sergeant at 905-546-3886. Anonymous tips can also be submitted through Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or online at crimestoppershamilton.com

Hamilton Police are seeking the public's assistance in identifying suspects connected to a series of distraction thefts involving jewelry. Since November 2024, 14 incidents have been reported where suspects engage victims in conversation, allowing them to gain close proximity to victims.  Often suspects try to sell or give jewelry which enables them to steal the victims own jewelry without notice.

The suspects are typically seen using vehicles with missing license plates. 

If you notice any suspicious behavior or have information that could assist in this investigation, please report it to police.

If you have any information that could assist our investigators, please contact Detective Constable Krista McKinney at 905-546-2955 or kmckinney@hamiltonpolice.ca.

To provide information anonymously call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or submit your anonymous tips online at http://www.crimestoppershamilton.com.

In these circumstances, a female suspect in a vehicle approaches a victim walking in a parking lot. The suspect begins asking for directions and then places items of jewellery on the victim. When the suspect removes the items, the victim’s jewellery is stolen.

Police are asking the public to be cautious and aware this type of theft. If you notice any suspicious behaviour, report it.

Anyone with information regarding these incidents is asked to contact Hamilton Police at 905-546-4725.  

To provide information anonymously call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or submit your anonymous tips online at http://www.crimestoppershamilton.com.

Hamilton Police have arrested and charged three males with a series of distraction thefts in Hamilton.  

On Wednesday, February 7, 2024, Hamilton Police entered into an investigation after receiving reports of three distraction thefts that occurred at three retail stores on Tuesday, February 6, 2024.

The investigation revealed that the three suspects worked in a coordinated effort to distract the victims, ultimately stealing their purses. In two of the occurrences, the suspects targeted two victims who were over the age of 70.

Video evidence played a pivotal role, capturing the suspects engaging in the thefts and identifying the vehicle used in their activities.

Peel Regional Police Service located the suspect vehicle in the City of Mississauga and assisted in the arrest of the suspects.

Further investigation, led to search warrants being executed on two motel rooms in the Peel Region and the suspect vehicle.

Hamilton Police have charged 42-year-old, Krystian Dolinski, 50-year-old, Piotr Molda and 28-year-old, Patryk Nosek for three counts of Theft Under $5000 and one count of Fraud Under $5000. All three suspects are Polish Nationals, who are on temporary visits to Canada.

The accused individuals are suspected of carrying out similar thefts in Ontario. Several Police Services are presently investigating them for comparable thefts within their respective jurisdictions.

The accused individuals are presently detained in custody, and the investigation remains ongoing.

If you have been a victim of a distraction theft and have not yet reported the incident to police, please do so by calling your local Police Service.

If you have any information that you believe could assist police with these investigations please contact Detective Ben Adams of the Hamilton Police Crimes Against Seniors Unit at 905-540-5300.

To provide information anonymously call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or submit your anonymous tips online at http://www.crimestoppershamilton.com