Police in Delta are raising the alarm about an increase in so-called distraction thefts.
In a press release Thursday afternoon (June 12), the Delta Police Department noted there has been a rise in distraction thefts across the Lower Mainland, with two incidents reported over the past week alone.
Distraction thefts are crimes in which thieves use a diversion tactic to distract a victim while an accomplice steals their belongings. They often occur in public places like parking lots, grocery stores, ATMs or near vehicles, and are usually team operations involving two or more offenders.
Police say the suspects, often appearing friendly or in distress, approach the victim offering a fake piece of jewelry as a “gift” or “thank you,” sometimes placing it directly on the victim’s neck, wrist or finger.
During the interaction, the suspects discreetly remove the victim’s real jewelry — for example a gold necklace, ring or bracelet — and often replace it with a cheap imitation. The victim usually doesn’t notice the theft until after the suspects have left.
Common distraction theft methods include compliments (the thief will compliment the victim’s existing jewelry and offer a “better” piece), cultural or family stories (the thief may claim it’s part of a tradition or blessing), or supposed language barriers (limited English is sometimes used to confuse or rush the interaction).
Police say typical targets for distraction thieves are seniors, especially those wearing visible jewelry; people alone in driveways or gardens, or walking alone in residential areas; and members of cultural communities known to wear heirloom or traditional jewelry.
"Distraction thefts are highly personal and invasive, making them especially upsetting to victims," according to Delta police. "Thieves often work in teams and leave the area quickly, sometimes using rental vehicles."
To stay safe, police advise to not accept gifts or allow strangers to place anything on you, to be cautious of unsolicited compliments or attempts to touch you, and if approached, to walk away and call police if the behaviour seems suspicious.
Police also encourage the public to report suspicious activity or thefts to the police immediately, and to check-in on elderly family members and remind them not to engage with strangers offering gifts.
"Help us spread the word; awareness is your best protection," the department states in its press release. "Please share this alert with friends, neighbours and community members."
