Police warn public after series of distraction thefts

West Vancouver police are warning shoppers to be wary of anyone approaching them offering to return lost cash, after a distraction thieftargeted an elderly manin the Caulfeild neighbourhood last month.

The victim was in the parking lot at the Caulfeild Village Shopping Centre at around 1 p.m. on June 29. Const. Kevin Goodmurphysaid the suspect approached the senior, claiming the victimhad dropped cash which he wanted to return.

When the victim openedhis wallet, the suspect was able to remove a debit card. Only later, did the victimrealize he was robbed of his cardand called police.

"[The suspect has]likely witnessed the victim putting in their PIN to either a credit card or a debit card just before that. So once they have thatpin in their mind, then they take that card."

The suspectis described as a dark-skinned male, 30-40 years old, with short black hair, wearing glasses, a white button-up shirt and tie.

Could be same suspect

Goodmurphy said police believe thissame suspect struck last year in the same shopping centre.

An elderly woman wastargeted on Aug, 1, 2018, whileusing her credit card at the Caulfeild Safeway. Shewas unaware a man standing nearby was watchingher enter her PIN to make a purchase.

After leaving the store, theman approached herholding a $5 bill he claimed she had dropped. Police said he used a slight-of-hand technique to remove the card, while returning the bill.

On Wednesday, Vancouver police issued a public warning, after an elderly woman was targeted by a pair of suspects in her own East Vancouver backyard.

One of the suspects a female approached the woman ataround 11:30 a.m., July 20, while she was gardening. The suspect forced jewellery into her hands, distracting herwhile she removed the victim's gold bracelet. The suspect'smale partner was waiting in a parked vehicle nearby.

"Ifsomebody approaches you and makes reference to you dropping some money or isbringing up conversation that is a bit suspicious to you, just be aware what's happening," Goodmurphy said. "Don't be afraid to question themandto not allow them into your personal space."

Police are asking anyone whocan identify this suspect to contact West Vancouver police at 604-925-7300, or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS.