Police investigate two distraction thefts targeting seniors

Vancouver Police are investigating two distraction thefts reported last week and warning the public to be cautious when strangers attempt close personal interactions.

At about 2:30 p.m. on Aug. 28, a 63-year-old woman was waiting at a bus stop near Macdonald Street and West 10th Avenue when occupants of a white sedan approached her. Police believe a South Asian man was driving and a South Asian woman got out to approach the victim.

The woman entered the victim’s personal space and offered to pray for her before returning to the vehicle and leaving. The victim later found that her necklace, a family heirloom passed down by her mother, had been stolen during the encounter.

Three days later, at about noon on Aug. 31, an 88-year-old man was approached outside his home near Butler Street and East 49th Avenue. During the interaction, a South Asian woman seated in a vehicle showed him a ring and persuaded him to accept what appeared to be a piece of jewellery.

After the suspects left, the man realized that his own ring had been removed and replaced with a fake. The stolen ring belonged to his late wife and had significant sentimental value.

Vancouver Police are working to determine whether the incidents are connected. Anyone who witnessed either theft or has information that could assist investigators is asked to contact the Vancouver Police Department at 604-717-3321.