Mounties in North Vancouver are warning about a “resurgence” of distraction thefts targeting elderly victims in the community after receiving three reports in two days. The detachment described the similarities in the cases reported last week in a statement Monday. “In all three cases, elderly victims were approached by two females and a male driving a grey SUV who asked for directions before stealing their jewelry,” a spokesperson for the North Vancouver RCMP wrote, adding one suspect reportedly tried to try to hug or touch each of the victims in order to remove jewelry and replace it with fake items. “Victims have not only lost property, but family heirlooms that have significant memories attached to them,” the statement from police continued. One of the tactics typical of these types of thefts is that the suspect bombards the intended victim with compliments to “overwhelm” them, Mounties said. Another is a request for help followed by an offer to trade jewelry. Anyone who has information about the recent incidents in North Vancouver or who has been a victim of a similar theft in the jurisdiction is urged to call 604-985-1311. The RCMP is also reminding residents that victim services are available, and free of charge.
