Vancouver police warn public about recent 'distraction thefts'
Credit to Author: Scott Brown| Date: Fri, 31 Jan 2020 18:12:08 +0000
Vancouver police are warning the public about a group of distraction thieves who are targeting seniors in Metro Vancouver.
VPD spokeswoman Const. Tania Visintin says police are investigating a series of thefts believed to have been carried out by “an organized crime distraction theft group.”
“The thief distracts the victim, prior to stealing from them. We have issued warnings in the past, but with the recent cases, are again encouraging residents to be aware and report suspicious activity,” Visintin said.
Police believe multiple people are involved in the scheme.
Victims have reported being approached by a female suspect who makes physical contact through a handshake or a hug. During the interaction, the suspect places fake jewelry on the victim and removes expensive jewelry and then hops into a getaway vehicle that is usually driven by a man.
In some reports, children have also been seen inside the vehicle or have been used to help create a distraction.
In other cases, victims reported being stopped near a highway where a scammer claims to have a family member in need, and offers expensive-looking jewelry as collateral for financial assistance.
“We’re advising people to not allow strangers into their personal space, and to tell anyone who tries to give them jewelry or place jewelry on them, that they are not interested,” adds Visintin.
Anyone with information can call VPD’s Major Crime Section at 604-717-2541 or Crime Stoppers, anonymously, at 1-800-222-8477.