Be aware of your surroundings and try not to get distracted — especially if you’ve just left the bank.
That’s the message from Richmond Mounties after a string of thefts by criminals using some well-worn, and some new, distraction techniques.
Richmond RCMP are currently investigating a series of thefts and are advising the community to be aware of this type of crime.
Police say thieves have been targeting people in the city who’ve just come out of various financial institutions making cash withdrawals. Travellers leaving or arriving from YVR have also been targeted.
“The thieves have utilized several methods to distract their victims,” said Richmond’s RCMP’s media spokesperson Cpl. Dennis Hwang.
“They include: dropping a $5 or $10 bill on the ground and claiming that it was dropped inadvertently by the victim; damaging part of a vehicle owned by the victim, such as puncturing a tire, in an effort to persuade them to exit the vehicle to survey the damage; spraying paint, ketchup, or spilling a beverage on the victim’s clothing.”
While distracted, added Hwang, the thief will attempt to steal the victim’s wallet/purse from them or from their vehicle.
“The Richmond RCMP Airport Crime Unit (ACU) was successful in arresting a male in conjunction with an investigation of an organized distraction theft group working at YVR,” said Hwang.
“The Richmond RCMP is working with our fellow law enforcement agencies and our partners at YVR to identify and arrest those responsible for these types of crimes.”
To cut down your chances of falling foul to this type of crime, Richmond RCMP are advising that you:
*Make an attempt to carry cash separately from your wallet or purse;
*Be aware of your surroundings;
*When travelling, be cognizant of your belongings at all times;
*Contact the police immediately if you observe anything suspicious.
Last week, the News reported how a woman suspected to have had the tire on her car tampered with after leaving TD Canada Trust at Lansdowne Centre, before being robbed of around $5,000 in cash when she pulled over in Vancouver to inspect her flat tire.
