Police in Alberta say the public should mind strangers asking for hugs or sharing sob stories after three people were arrested in a string of distraction thefts across Canada.

Edmonton police say officers have received at least 63 reports since May of people having belongings stolen while being distracted by thieves.

Three women were charged with theft last week in an investigation that also involved RCMP and the Canada Border Services Agency.

Warrants have been issued for three more believed to b…