Richmond RCMP are warning of a rise in “distraction” thefts after a recent robbery left an elderly man injured.
Mounties say they were called to the 10300 block of Hall Avenue – south of Cambie Road near Highway 99 – around 1:50 p.m. on September 25, after a woman allegedly took a wristwatch from an “unsuspecting elderly male.”
According to the victim, a female suspect got out of a vehicle, approached him and asked him for the time.
The suspect then allegedly handed him a gold-coloured necklace and ring, before taking the victim’s watch off his wrist, pushing him to the ground, and running back to the vehicle.
The vehicle then sped away from the scene, leaving the victim suffering minor injuries.
Richmond RCMP says the suspect was described only as a heavy set, South Asian woman, who was wearing a green-coloured sweater. Meanwhile, the vehicle, driven by a South Asian man, was described as a powder blue-coloured Volkswagen SUV.
However, information obtained by frontline officers suggests the suspects may have been in the neighbourhood earlier in that week as well, according to RCMP, who are now asking residents in the area to review their home surveillance recordings in case they captured the suspects or vehicle on video.
Distraction-type robberies such as the Sept. 25 incident are becoming more common, said Cpl. Ian Henderson with the Richmond RCMP.
“We want to remind the public to be wary of people who approach you on the street, then place jewelry on you or try to get you to hold something for them,” he said.
“They may be trying to focus your attention on something else while they steal your belongings. If someone approaches you in this manner, walk away immediately, get yourself to a safe place and report the incident to police.”
Anyone who may have information about this incident is asked to contact Richmond RCMP at 604-278-1212. To remain anonymous, call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.
