After a series of distraction theft cases being reported, Vancouver police are now warning the public to be alert of strangers offering jewellery on streets. More than $88K in loses have been reported in over 60 incidents since Dec. 2012.
The con usually starts with a thief finding a potential victim who is wearing gold jewellery, the police stated.
The thief "approaches the victim, appeals to their ethnic background and overwhelms him or her by talking and placing fake jewellery or a scarf around the victim's head, neck, or wrist," the police informed.
Thereafter, the thief removes the victim's jewellery and leaves a scarf or a fake piece of jewellery. By the time the victim realizes their valuable piece of jewellery is missing, the thief has already fled from the area. At times, the thief leaves in a waiting car.
Police tips to protect against this type of theft:
If you wear jewelry in public, conceal valuable items under your clothing.
Don’t allow anyone you don’t know into your personal space.
Tell the person that you are not interested, and for them to leave you alone.
Draw attention to the situation by calling for help.
Call 911 and report the crime to police.
Source: Vancouver Police Department