The Vancouver police has renewed their warning to the public about distraction theft targeting the elderly after a recent spike in cases.
Police say there have been seven cases reported in the last week and more than 60 thefts reported in the last two years.
More than $88,000 in valuables have been stolen from victims of the con, a tactic that targets elderly people wearing jewelry.
Police say thieves approach their victim and appeal to their ethnic background, overwhelming him or her by talking and placing fake jewelry or a scarf around their head neck or wrist.
The thief then removes the victim’s jewelry and leaves the fake items or scarf behind.
WATCH: VPD re-enactment of distraction theft
Police say the thief then walks away, leaving the victim disoriented and confused, not knowing the scam has taken place until they notice their valuables are missing.
The suspects are both males and females of varying ages with medium to dark skin, police said.
Anyone with information about this crime is asked to contact the Vancouver Police Major Crime Section at (=604-717-2541 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.
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