The North Vancouver RCMP warned residents about a surge in distraction theft scams after three elderly victims were targeted in two days last week, losing valuable jewelry to sophisticated con artists.
According to the police report, on Feb. 6 and 7, 2026, three separate incidents occurred involving two women and a man driving a grey SUV. The suspects approached elderly victims asking for directions, then used physical contact—hugs or hand touches—to steal jewelry and replace it with worthless imitations.
“Victims have not only lost property, but family heirlooms that have significant memories attached to them,” said Corporal Mansoor Sahak, Media Relations Officer for the North Vancouver RCMP.
This brings the total number of similar reports to six since September 2025, prompting police to issue a public warning about the scam’s common tactics.
Thieves typically approach victims asking for help with directions or prayers, or overwhelm them with compliments. During the interaction, they offer jewelry as a “gift” while secretly removing the victim’s real pieces and swapping them with cheap fakes. In some variations, suspects claim to be offering a more valuable item in exchange, which later proves worthless.
Authorities urge residents to stay vigilant and be cautious of strangers entering their personal space, particularly anyone attempting unsolicited hugs or physical contact. Police encourage people to trust their instincts and feel empowered to say no, call for help, or walk away from suspicious behavior immediately.
Investigators are actively working to identify the suspects. Anyone with information about the recent thefts or victims who haven’t yet reported incidents should contact North Vancouver RCMP.
