Vancouver police warn of distraction thefts with 35 already reported this year

Vancouver police are warning residents, particularly seniors, about a surge in distraction thefts, with 35 incidents reported so far this year resulting in losses of approximately $245,000. These thefts involve criminals creating diversions to steal valuable items, often family heirlooms, from unsuspecting victims.

One victim, 72-year-old Janice Yang, recounted her experience where a woman approached her while she was gardening, snatched her necklace, and pushed her down before fleeing in a vehicle. Her son, Phillip Yang, described the incident at a police press conference, emphasizing the emotional toll and the loss of cherished items.

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There was a vehicle that pulled up in front of her home and then we saw a u-turnaround, then a lady came out of the vehicle and the car parked in front of her home.

Sgt. Tim Russell of the Vancouver Police Department highlighted the significant impact these crimes have on victims, not only financially but also by eroding their sense of safety. He noted that these thieves often target elderly individuals without hesitation.

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Then you see the lady walking towards my home, enter my property, open the gate, going up to my mom when she was gardening.

Police data shows that 17 such thefts occurred in the Sunset, Renfrew-Collingwood, Mount Pleasant, Killarney, Victoria-Fraserview, and Kensington-Cedar Cottage neighborhoods. Another nine incidents were reported in Strathcona, Grandview-Woodlands, and Hastings-Sunrise, with eight in Point Grey, Kitsilano, Fairview, Dunbar-Southlands, Arbutus Ridge, Shaughnessy, South Cambie, Riley Park, Musqueam, Kerrisdale, Oakridge, and Marpole, and one in the downtown core.

Authorities have charged Amalia Stoian of Ontario with one count of robbery in connection with one of the incidents. Police believe the perpetrators are part of organized crime rings, involving both Canadian citizens and foreign nationals who travel across Canada in rented vehicles. They urge seniors to take precautions, such as keeping valuables hidden, not allowing strangers into their personal space, and calling 911 immediately if they feel unsafe or discover items missing.

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These are criminals who think nothing of targeting elderly victims and stealing their valuable family heirlooms.