June 18,2025
RED FM News Desk
Burnaby RCMP is alerting the public about a series of distraction thefts that continue to take place in Burnaby and across the Lower Mainland. Over the past few weeks, three such incidents have been reported in Burnaby.
In each case, a woman has targeted elderly victims who were visibly wearing jewelry. While a male accomplice waits nearby in a vehicle, the female suspect approaches the victim, distracts them by offering compliments or speaking rapidly, and then attempts to swap their valuable jewelry with cheap imitation pieces. Two victims had their necklaces stolen. In the third case, the victim managed to keep her jewelry by drawing attention and attracting witnesses.
Cpl. Mike Kalanj of the Burnaby RCMP says while anyone can fall victim to these scams, they typically target seniors. people should talk to their loved ones about this .
Tips to Stay Safe:
Be wary of strangers who invade your personal space or try to hug you
Do not accept unsolicited gifts from strangers
Trust your instincts—say no or call for help if you feel unsafe
Walk away from any suspicious person or situation and report it to police right away
If you or someone you know has been a victim of this kind of theft, please call 9-1-1 immediately.
Loading ...
