Edmonton police warn to watch out for 'hugging bandits' as distraction thefts on the rise

Police have arrested three people and are looking for three more in connection to a string of distraction-thefts in the Edmonton area, including "hugging bandits."

But the investigation led them to a much bigger issue, stretching across Canada.

After dozens of reports of people having their belongings stolen after having their attention diverted by strangers, authorities say the public should be wary of people asking for hugs or sharing their sob stories.

As Global’s Quinn Ohler reports, officers are hoping bthat y sharing this, more victims will come forward.