Vancouver – A 73-year-old woman is the latest victim of distraction theft in Vancouver. She was walking with her husband in the 500-block of Lillooet Street on Tuesday afternoon shortly after 1 p.m. when a woman approached them. She asked for a restaurant recommendation and then placed a fake gold necklace around the victim’s neck, seamlessly removing her real gold necklace in the process.
The thief fled in a black SUV driven by a man.
VPD investigators are canvassing the area for video evidence.
This incident is the latest in a string of such crimes across the city. Police are advising the public, especially seniors, to:
- Conceal Valuables: Keep jewelry and other valuables hidden underneath your clothing when out in public or working in your yard.
- Protect Your Space: Maintain physical boundaries. Do not let strangers approach you or enter your personal space, even if they seem friendly or are offering gifts.
- Draw Attention: If you feel you are being targeted or you feel unsafe, make noise, yell, and attract the attention of bystanders.
Anyone with information, dashcam footage, or home security video from the area of the 500-block of Lillooet Street between 12:30-1:30 p.m. yesterday is asked to call the Vancouver Police Department.
