3 charged after purse thefts reported in Burlington, Oakville

Three people are facing charges in connection with a rash of purse thefts targetting senior citizens in Burlington and Oakville.

Halton police say they had received 16 reports of purses or wallets being stolen from grocery store shopping carts while the owner was not looking since the start of November.

“The targeting of senior citizens is despicable and any such occurrences will be fully investigated and offenders will be brought to justice,” Det. Sgt. Ron Hansen stated in a news release.

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The arrests of a man and two women on Saturday and Sunday follow the execution of search warrants in Mississauga.

READ MORE: Thefts from Burlington vehicles up ‘significantly’ in first half of 2017: Halton police

Barbara Grabowska, 45, has been charged with nine counts of theft under $5,000. Mariusz Zelinksi, 44, has been charged with five counts of theft under $5,000 and obstructing a peace officer. Beata Parczewska, 37, is charged with three counts of theft under $5,000.

Police are reminding the public to be aware of the risk of distraction thefts at busy stores this holiday season.