It’s not a new crime, but police say so-called “distraction thefts” are on the rise in the Lower Mainland and right across Canada, with seniors too often becoming the unsuspecting victims.
Police from across Canada are warning the public, especially the elderly, not to let strangers walk up and get too close. You could be approached anywhere, anytime – out for a walk, at the park, shopping, at a bank machine or even in your own yard while gardening.
The criminals commonly work in pairs, sometimes with a child. One of them diverts your attention while their partner quietly steals a wallet, jewelry, a phone or something else valuable. Or the criminal might try to hug you or come too close to you to take your jewelry and replace it with a fake.
“Someone somewhere often knows who’s doing this, but they might feel uncomfortable about telling police for fear of being identified. That’s where Crime Stoppers comes in,” says Karen Reid Sidhu, Executive Director of Metro Vancouver Crime Stoppers. “Even the smallest clue might lead police to finding the criminals. If in doubt, call it in anyway. If you become a victim, call 9-1-1 and give police a description of who stole from you, but if you were a witness, or have any other information that could help, call Metro Vancouver Crime Stoppers anonymously.”
The easiest way to send an anonymous tip is on your phone through Crime Stoppers’ downloadable “P3” app, or online at solvecrime.ca. We also accept tips by phone at
1-800-222-8477 where operators accept calls around the clock in 115 languages including Punjabi, Hindi, Mandarin and Cantonese. Your anonymity is guaranteed, you’ll never have to answer questions or testify in court, and you could be eligible for a cash reward of up to $5,000.
