News Release
Official News Release
The Abbotsford Police Department is investigating two distraction-style jewellery thefts which occurred in the past 2 weeks.
The victims in both incidents are elderly and were out on a walk when they were approached by a female who had exited a vehicle. The female began hugging the victim and making small talk.
A short time later, the female returned to the vehicle and left. It was then that the victim noticed that their jewelry had been removed.
The female suspect in both distraction thefts is described as South Asian or Middle Eastern in appearance, 50-60 years old, with a heavy build and black hair. A female with a similar appearance is also suspected to be involved in the sale of fake jewellery in an Abbotsford parking lot. The description of the vehicle used in these incidents has varied, and includes a grey SUV, red SUV, and black van.
There has been a noticeable increase in similar thefts in other Lower Mainland municipalities in recent weeks. The thefts involve the suspect getting out of their vehicle to make conversation with a victim wearing jewellery. The suspect then makes an excuse to have physical contact with the victim, at which time the thief smoothly removes the victim’s jewellery. The unsuspecting victim often doesn’t realize the theft has occurred until the suspects have left.
As the descriptions of the suspects and their vehicles vary, it is possible that multiple thieves are working as a group around the Lower Mainland.
The Abbotsford Police Department is requesting that family members alert seniors and those visiting, or new to our community about this type of distraction theft. AbbyPD recommends that valuable items be concealed under clothing when in public, and that you not allow strangers into your personal space. If you are approached by a stranger and you feel threatened:
- Clearly tell the person you are not interested, and to leave you alone.
- Draw attention to the situation.
- Call 9-1-1 and report the incident to police.
Anyone with information regarding these incidents is asked to call AbbyPD at 604-859-5225, or text us at 222973 (abbypd). To report anonymously to Crime Stoppers, call 1-800-222-8477(TIPS) or report online at Solvecrime.ca.
Abby PD file: 21-11742, 21-11493, 21-13152
Sgt Judy Bird
Abbotsford Police Media Relations Officer
[email protected]