It’s a growing trend that’s not sitting well with the Vancouver police.
They are concerned about multiple crime groups operating in the city that are targeting predominantly elderly victims and steal their jewellery.
In the so-called “distraction robberies,” a thief usually approaches a victim who is openly wearing gold earrings, necklaces, bracelets or rings.
The strangers then place fake jewellery around the victim’s head, neck or wrist.
They then remove the victim’s jewellery, leaving behind fake items in its place.
The suspects usually ask for directions or indicate they may know the person, giving any excuse to get close to the victim.
VIDEO: VPD dramatization of how distraction theft may occur
The first two incidents happened on Nov. 22 between noon and 3 p.m. — one near East 47th Avenue and Knight Street, and the other at East Pender and Renfrew Street.
A third incident occurred on Nov.26, shortly before 2 p.m., in the area of East 2nd Avenue and Renfrew Street.
On Thursday, two more distraction robberies were reported. One of the robberies took place near Trout Lake and the other was an attempt robbery at East 57th Avenue and Ross Street.
Over the past year and a half, Vancouver police have seen around 130 similar incidents, says spokesperson Brian Montague.
The victims do not appear to be targeted based on nationality or race, but some suspects try to talk to the victims in their native tongue.
The thieves seem to target both men and women, but many of the victims are elderly, although investigators see younger victims as well.
Police believe there are multiple suspects involved and they roam from province to province not just across Canada, but internationally as well.
“We are dealing with professionals here,” says Montague. “They are very good at their craft.”
Montague says these types of crimes go underreported because victims are left confused and do not draw attention to themselves.
“Do not wait before you decide to pick up that phone. It is very important for our officers to arrive quickly and locate these people,” he says.
Police have made some arrests, but with “skinny” witness accounts, it is proving difficult.
Even though the crooks do not usually intend to cause any physical harm to their victims, Montague says they have dealt with some minor injuries.
Police ask people to use common sense and not allow anyone they don’t know into their personal space to avoid getting robbed.
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