A couple in South Vancouver forces seniors to give them cash in exchange for gold

Vancouver Police are warning the public about a recent string of thefts involved distraction techniques predominately occurring in South Vancouver. “Unfortunately this type of crime has been going on for years in this city,” says Constable Tania Visintin, VPD. “These criminals are using the element of surprise or distraction and are preying on the elderly and vulnerable members of the community.”

#VPDLivestream VPD warns the public about rise in distraction thefts https://t.co/dFRmpjNtat

— Vancouver Police (@VancouverPD) February 12, 2021

On January 28 near Main Street and East 41st Avenue, a man, a woman and three children in a black minivan approached the victim and claimed to need money to get to Montreal. The suspects drove the victim to the bank where they withdrew $3,000 in exchange for a bag of fake gold. The suspects are described as South Asian and in their 30s. The children appeared to be between three and five years old.

On January 30 near Joyce Street and East 41st Avenue, a man and a woman in a Toyota Camry approached the victim and advised they needed money for gas. One of the suspect’s put a gold chain around the victim’s neck and took the chain the victim was wearing. The victim later noticed his chain was missing and reported it to police. The male suspect is described as South Asian with a heavy build and in his 30s.

On February 6 near Victoria Drive and East 41st Avenue, a man, a woman and young boy in a white Jeep Cherokee approached the victim and said they needed money to travel to Alberta. The suspects offered to sell the victim gold in exchange for money. The victim withdrew funds from the bank. The gold was later determined to be fake. The suspects are both described as Middle Eastern with a dark complexion and in their 30s. The male was wearing a blue blazer and dress pants. The female was wearing a beige head covering, a dark blue blouse, a long skirt and boots.

“We want to remind people to be aware of this suspicious activity and not engage with anyone who is offering to sell you items, particularity gold or jewelry, in exchange for money,” adds Constable Visinitn.