Chilliwack RCMP say in the past two months they have received reports from at least five elderly victims of the same type of scam and robbery.
Thieves have been posing as stranded motorists and preying upon the goodwill of elderly victims, stealing their belongings when they offer assistance.
Mounties say it appears all the crimes have been committed by the same suspects. In each occurrence the targeted victims have been at least 64 years old and a few have been over 80 years old.
All incidents happened in residential neighbourhoods. The victim is typically approached when they are returning home. The suspect has approached the victim and told them they are having car trouble, saying that they need water for their radiator. The suspect often offers to help the victim carry their groceries or other items and wait at the entrance of the home while the victim gets the requested water. The suspect then steals personal items, such as a purse or wallet, and flees before the victim returns with the water.
It is believed that at least one male and one female suspect are involved in these thefts. Different descriptions have been provided for the suspect vehicle involved in each theft. The suspects are know to have targeted the Mission area, North and South areas of Chilliwack and likely other areas of the Fraser Valley.
Anyone with information regarding these incidents is asked to contact the Mission RCMP at 604-826-7161 or your local RCMP Detachment or police service if you live outside the Mission area. If you wish to remain anonymous please call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.
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