Vancouver Police warn about scams, distraction thefts in recent weeks

VANCOUVER (NEWS 1130) – Police in Vancouver are warning you about a string of scams and thefts happening in the city, mainly in South Vancouver.

On Jan. 28, police say a black minivan with a man, woman, and three kids inside pulled up to someone near Main St. and E. 41 Ave. and told them they needed money to get to Montreal. They drove the victim to the bank, where they took out $3,000 in exchange for a bag of fake gold.

The next theft happened just two days later near Joyce St. and E. 41 Ave. Police say a man and woman in a Toyota Camry pulled up to someone and said they needed gas money. That’s when one of the suspects put a gold chain around the person’s neck and swapped it out for the chain the victim was wearing.

Then a week later, on Feb. 6, a man, woman, and young boy were in a white Jeep Cherokee that pulled up to someone near Victoria Dr. and E. 41 Ave. This time, police say the victim was told the trio needed money to travel to Alberta and offered to sell the victim gold for cash. The victim fell for the scam, later realizing the gold was fake.

Related articles:

• Vancouver police warns of rise in distraction thefts since June

• West Vancouver Police warning people of distraction theft

This isn’t the first time we’ve heard about distraction thefts in Vancouver.

Const. Tania Visintin with the VPD says it’s been going on for years.

“These criminals are using the element of surprise or distraction and are preying on the elderly and vulnerable members of the community,” she said.

Last summer, police issued a similar warning after a string of 16 distraction thefts across the Lower Mainland in less than two months.

“We want the public, especially the elderly, to be very cautious when approached by strangers while out walking, shopping, or even doing chores in the yard. Be cautious of strangers getting close, offering hugs, placing fake jewelry on you, or asking for help,” she said at the time.

Related articles:

• Distraction thefts targeting seniors in Vancouver

• West Vancouver seniors targeted in reported distraction thefts; police identify suspect

Police do not have detailed descriptions of the suspects in the three latest incidents, but the adults involved are described as South Asian or Middle Eastern and in their 30s.

Anyone with information can contact the Vancouver Police Major Crime Section at 604-717-2541 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.