Family distracted store staff while children swiped jewelry: Calgary police

Police say six family members, including children, worked as a team to pull off a jewelry store heist in Calgary. They say the family went into the store at CF Market Mall last month.

Police allege that while adult family members spoke with staff, an eight-year-old and a 16-year-old swiped nearly $4,000 worth of jewelry. An employee called police and officers located the family members, some of whom were in a stolen truck, and stolen items were found.

Police say two boys, ages 8 and 9, were returned to their father, who isn't involved in the case. Four others face several theft charges _ two adults, a 17-year-old boy and a 16-year-old girl.

Distraction thefts are becoming increasingly common and Calgarians need to be vigilant, whether they're walking down the street or working in a store,'' says Insp. Colleen Bowers.

This case is particularly disturbing, because children were being used to commit those thefts.''