Close X
Monday, November 11, 2024
ADVT 
National

Warning to seniors, be vigilant and cautious when using your bank card: North Vancouver RCMP

Darpan News Desk North Vancouver RCMP, 04 Mar, 2022 02:41 PM
  • Warning to seniors, be vigilant and cautious when using your bank card: North Vancouver RCMP

North Vancouver RCMP are warning seniors in the community to be on the alert when using banking machines.

"We've become aware that a crime trend targeting seniors has resurfaced in recent weeks in the Lower Mainland," said Sergeant Peter DeVries of the North Vancouver RCMP. "Although we haven't received any recent reports in North Vancouver, we're warning our senior community to use an extra measure of caution, and to be vigilant when using their bank cards at ATM's and businesses."

The Distraction Technique

- suspect(s) follow a victim after observing them obtain cash from a bank, ATM, or currency exchange, or after they have made a point-of-sale purchase
- once at the victim's vehicle, suspect(s) slash their car tire, or scatter thumb tacks around the tire, as a distraction
- while the victim's attention is diverted, suspect(s) steal the victim's purse, wallet, or cash
- the suspect(s) often appear non-threatening, act helpful, and may even be with a small child or a baby

The trend isn't new, having last appeared between the summer of 2019 and spring of 2020. However, a few new recent cases have police concerned for seniors' safety.

How To Protect Yourself

- don’t let strangers into your personal space or let them touch or hug you
- don't leave your wallet or purse in your vehicle, even for a moment
- remain vigilant at all times – even when simply going for a walk
- if you feel like you are being targeted by a thief for a distraction theft, yell or make a lot of noise to attract attention and call 9-1-1
- if you have been the victim of a distraction theft, call 911 immediately, because if you wait, the chances of finding the suspects decrease significantly

How To Help Protect Senior Friends And Loved Ones

- share this information with senior friends and family, and discuss their personal safety
- provide advice contained in the RCMP Seniors' Guidebook To Safety And Security (link to download)
- be watchful and vigilant of seniors' safety while in the community, and call 9-1-1 if you suspect a senior is being targeted

MORE National ARTICLES

Crown has failed to prove its case beyond a reasonable doubt at the trial of former clerk

Crown has failed to prove its case beyond a reasonable doubt at the trial of former clerk
Lawyer Gavin Cameron continued his closing arguments for a second day in B-C Supreme Court. James was charged with fraud and breach of trust based on allegations of misspending.    

Crown has failed to prove its case beyond a reasonable doubt at the trial of former clerk

Premier Horgan not concerned that BC will face major costs with Canada's sanctions against Russia

Premier Horgan not concerned that BC will face major costs with Canada's sanctions against Russia
Horgan says he supports the federal government's decision to impose a 35 per cent tariff on Russian and Belarus exports to Canada. The move has potential economic consequences for B-C sectors that rely on Russian products, including major construction projects that use Russian steel.

Premier Horgan not concerned that BC will face major costs with Canada's sanctions against Russia

391 COVID19 cases for Thursday

391 COVID19 cases for Thursday
There are 511 individuals hospitalized with COVID-19 and 79 are in intensive care. In the past 24 hours, 13 new deaths have been reported, for an overall total of 2,896.

391 COVID19 cases for Thursday

Businesses to charge a minimum fee on single-use cups: City of Vancouver

Businesses to charge a minimum fee on single-use cups: City of Vancouver
The charge was imposed January 1st — in part to reduce some of the estimated 80-million coffee and beverage cups thrown away in Vancouver every year — but unintentionally added costs to meal voucher recipients or those using gift cards or reward programs.

Businesses to charge a minimum fee on single-use cups: City of Vancouver

Investigation continues into house explosion

Investigation continues into house explosion
Constable Gary O'Brien says police will be checking to see if foul play was involved. He says crews have managed to remove debris from the site of the flattened home and check the basement and other areas.    

Investigation continues into house explosion

Illegal drug dispensary operates as a tattoo studio shut down after allegedly selling to youth

Illegal drug dispensary operates as a tattoo studio shut down after allegedly selling to youth
Officers seized cannabis products, magic mushrooms (psilocybin), and suspected MDMA. The dispensary has now been shut down. While cannabis is legal to purchase and consume in Canada, there are strict regulations in place, including where products can be purchased. 

Illegal drug dispensary operates as a tattoo studio shut down after allegedly selling to youth