Vancouver police is warning local seniors to be wary of a smooth-talking scammer who has been talking his way into homes across the city and making off with cash and valuables.
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“This thief is smooth and conniving, and he’s been preying on the good nature of Vancouver seniors,” media relations officer Const. Steve Addison said in a press release. “We’re working hard to solve these crimes, and we’re asking residents to be extra vigilant until we do.”
Addison said officers are investigating 12 similar incidents since late July, with the most recent one taking place Tuesday morning near Nanaimo Street in the Grandview-Woodland area. The incidents have taken place throughout the city and investigators believe the suspect might be moving around the Lower Mainland.
Typically the man approaches seniors in their yards or at their front doors and uses a ruse to talk his way inside. Addison said in some cases he’s claimed to be a neighbour needing to use the phone because he’s locked out of his home. In others, he has posed as a canvasser for local charities. Once inside, the suspect waits until the victim is distracted and then steals cash or other valuable items.
“In most cases the victims don’t even realize they’ve been scammed until much later,” Addison said. “Unfortunately, by the time the suspect is long gone.”
The suspect has been described as a friendly and well-groomed white man in his 40s. He has a medium build, brown hair and stands about 5’11” tall.
Anyone who sees this man should call 911 immediately.
@JessicaEKerr
jkerr@vancourier.com
