The Vancouver Police Department is warning seniors after an 87-year-old man was targeted in a suspected distraction theft in East Vancouver on Thursday afternoon, according to the department.
VPD says the incident happened near Renfrew Street and East 1st Avenue while the senior was walking in the lane. A man and a woman in a white sedan approached him, the department says. The woman, seated in the passenger seat, engaged the victim in conversation and, while shaking his hand, placed fake jewelry on his wrist and removed his ring. VPD says the victim realized his ring was missing moments later, went home, and called police.
“Distraction theft suspects will often appear friendly and make excuses to get close to their victims,” VPD Sergeant Adam Donaldson said in the release. “We want seniors to be aware of the tactics these thieves use so they can avoid becoming victims in the first place.”
The department describes the female suspect as Middle Eastern or South Asian, adding that she spoke without an accent. The male suspect, who was driving the vehicle, is described as a short Middle Eastern or South Asian man, according to the release.
VPD offers three tips to protect yourself or elderly loved ones: be cautious of strangers who stand unusually close or attempt physical contact; politely step back if someone invades your personal space; and do not allow strangers to handle your belongings. Anyone who believes they have been the victim of a distraction theft is asked to call 911 immediately, the department says.
Source: Vancouver Police Department news release, Oct 8, 2026 (updated Oct 9, 2026).
