Thieves Prey on Female Seniors - RCMP Important Notice

 

 

 

 

 

Surrey RCMP is warning the public after a series of distraction thefts have occurred in our city.

After similar incidents and warnings in Vancouver and Delta, police in Surrey have


responded to a number of recent incidents involving a con artist who is targeting elderly females wearing gold jewellery.

In these so-called ‘Gypsy’ thefts, the thief approaches the victim and distracts them with a story about their troubles and proceeds to place fake gold jewellery around the victim’s head, neck, or wrist. The thief then removes the victim’s actual jewellery in the process and walks away leaving the victim confused and disorientated before they realize what has happened.

The suspect has been described as a heavy set female, approximately 5’3, with gold teeth and long hair, wearing a dark head scarf and dark dress. The female speaks limited and broken English and may recount a story about a family member in the hospital as part of her ruse. Sometimes she may leave in a waiting car occupied by others companion.

Although our investigators have identified a person of interest in this investigation, the Surrey RCMP would like to remind the public about what they can do to prevent potentially becoming a victim, says Surrey RCMP Cpl. Bert Paquet. These incidents took place after the suspect was able to overwhelm or distract the victims, and did not involve any violence or threats.

Police remind the public of the following tips:

• Use discretion when wearing expensive or valuable jewellery in public
• If approached by someone you don’t know, be skeptical of their claims and watch your belongings
• Clearly tell the person that you are not interested and to leave you alone
• If continually pressed, draw attention to the situation and call for help
• Call 911 immediately after the incident to report it to the police
• Try to observe the direction of travel of the suspect

Anyone with further information is asked to contact the Surrey RCMP at 604-599-0502 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS if they wish to remain anonymous.