Vancouver Police are investigating two distraction thefts reported last week and are warning residents to be cautious when strangers approach them and attempt close personal interactions.
The first incident happened on August 28 at approximately 2:30 p.m., when a 63-year-old woman was waiting at a bus stop near Macdonald Street and West 10th Avenue.
Police say the occupants of a white sedan approached the woman. Investigators believe a South Asian man was driving while a South Asian woman got out of the vehicle and approached the victim.
Vancouver Police are investigating two distraction thefts reported on August 28 and August 31 and are working to determine whether the incidents are connected.
According to police, the woman entered the victim’s personal space and offered to pray for her before returning to the vehicle.
The victim later discovered that her necklace had been stolen. Police say the necklace was a family heirloom passed down from her mother.
A second incident occurred three days later, on August 31 at approximately noon, outside the home of an 88-year-old man near Butler Street and East 49th Avenue.
Police say a South Asian woman sitting in a vehicle showed the man a ring and convinced him to accept what appeared to be jewelry.
After the suspects left, the victim discovered his own ring had been removed and replaced with a fake. The stolen ring had belonged to his late wife and carried significant sentimental value.
Vancouver Police are investigating whether the two incidents are connected.
Anyone who witnessed either theft or has information that could help investigators is asked to contact the Vancouver Police Department at 604-717-3321.
Source: Vancouver Police Department
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