Robbers sprayed mustard on victims to distract them and steal their money

Three men distracted people by spraying mustard on them, and then stole their money, according to Toronto police.

The men preyed on victims near banks in the Greater Toronto Area.

Police said Friday that the scheme involved one man spraying mustard on a victim's clothing, usually a jacket. Another man would make the person aware of the mustard and a third would attempt to help the person get the mustard off.

During that process, the men stole the money the person had recently withdrawn from the bank.

In other incidents, police said one of the men would distract victims by throwing $5 bills on the ground. While the victim helped the man pick up the bills, the others would steal their money.

The latest incident involving mustard happened on May 20, according to police, at a bank at Don Mills Road and Lawrence Avenue East.

Three men — aged 64, 67 and 69 — have been charged with 10 counts of robbery and four counts of mischief, as well as another theft-related charge. Police say they were here from Chile.

Police believe there may be other victims who have not come forward.