CANADA: Thief Preyed On Trusting Winnipeg Seniors

WINNIPEG (The Winnipeg Sun), May 20, 2006: A man whom police say preyed on Winnipeg seniors has been arrested for allegedly breaking into 34 homes and stealing more than $60,000 worth of loot in only a few weeks. Donald James Johnson, a 38-year-old man with no fixed address, has been charged with 34 counts of break and enter, three counts of theft, 10 counts of using a stolen credit card and a few counts of violating a court order. Police say the man has broken into dozens of homes in Transcona, East Kildonan and North Kildonan since the end of April. The man allegedly stole more than $60,000 worth of jewelry, electronics, cash and other goods. His targets were usually purses and wallets left on tables or counters, said police. "It is alleged that this accused targeted seniors who were at home or in their yards cutting the lawn," said Sgt. Kelly Dennison, a spokesman for Winnipeg police. Dennison said it's believed on same occasions that the man would strike up a conversation with his victim to quell any suspicions about him being in the area, then break in through a door or window while the victim was doing yard work. Copyright © 2006 Canoe Inc. All rights reserved.