Vancouver Police are investigating two distraction thefts that occurred last week and are warning the public to be cautious when approached by strangers attempting close personal interactions.
The first incident took place 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. According to the news release by VPD, they believe a South Asian man was driving a white sedan while a South Asian woman exited the vehicle and approached the victim, entering her personal space and offering to pray for her before returning to the car and leaving the area. The victim later discovered that a necklace, a family heirloom passed down from her mother, had been stolen during the encounter.
Three days later, on August 31 at approximately noon, an 88-year-old man was approached outside his residence near Butler Street and East 49th Avenue. According to the news release, a South Asian woman seated in a vehicle showed the victim a ring and convinced him to accept what appeared to be a piece of jewelry. After the suspects left, the victim realized his own ring had been removed and replaced with a fake. The stolen ring belonged to his late wife and held significant sentimental value.
Vancouver Police are working to determine whether the two incidents are connected. Anyone who witnessed either theft or has information that could assist investigators is asked to contact the Vancouver Police Department at 604-717-3321.
