Police warn of diamond switch suspect

Toronto police and Jewellers Vigilance Canada (JVC) are asking jewellers to be on the lookout for a man suspected of switching a two-carat loose diamond with a cubic zirconia.

Police say a man entered a jewellery store in Scarborough Town Centre in late September. While examining the stone, the man bent over and dropped it into a large black wallet/purse and switched it with a cubic. Staff discovered the switch after he left the store.

Investigators have since found the man is on probation and not permitted to enter a jewellery store.

An arrest warrant has been issued for Richard McKenzie, born Feb. 20, 1960.

Anyone with information is asked to contact detectives at 43 Division’s criminal investigations bureau (CIB) at 416-808-4300.

The incident has police and JVC reiterating the importance of positioning cameras properly to capture good-quality pictures.