Waterloo Regional Police are investigating a distraction theft after a woman had her purse stolen from her vehicle in Kitchener.

On January 31, 2026, at approximately 5 p.m., a female was entering her vehicle in the parking lot of a business in the area of King Street East and Gateway Park Drive. As she prepared to leave, an unknown male approached the driver’s side of her vehicle and knocked on the window while pointing towards her vehicle’s rear tire.

The male did not speak and walked away. After the individual left the area, the victim exited her vehicle and observed multiple loonies on the ground. She picked up the change, returned to the driver’s seat, and began to drive away.

A short distance later, she noticed her front passenger door was not fully closed. When she stopped to secure the door, she discovered her purse, which had been left on the passenger seat when she entered the vehicle, was missing.

Waterloo Regional Police are reminding community members to remain aware of distraction‑based theft techniques. Keep your vehicle doors locked, be cautious of unsolicited distractions, and secure personal belongings inside your vehicle.

Anyone with information is asked to call police at 519-570-9777, extension 4497.

Anonymous tips can be provided to Crime Stoppers at 1‑800‑222‑8477 or online at www.waterloocrimestoppers.com.