A man was waiting in a parking lot at 21st Street and Esquimalt Avenue in West Vancouver on June 8 around 11 a.m. said a release from the West Vancouver Police Department (WVPD).
He was approached by a black car with a man and woman inside. The woman was seated in the rear passenger seat, say police.
When the driver shook the man’s hand, his phone was quickly taken according to police.
The woman passenger placed a fake gold bar, a gold-coloured ring, and a gold-coloured necklace in his other hand, as she slipped a watch from the man’s wrist according to the release.
As soon as the theft happened, the car immediately fled the parking lot.
WVPD describe the male suspect as being in his fifties, with a medium build and black hair while the female suspect is also described as being in her fifties with black hair.
The two were allegedly driving a black sedan, consistent with a BMW.
As the physical description of the suspects in this case is minimal, WVPD is encouraging residents to be watchful for the behaviours associated with these types of crimes.
“While rare for West Vancouver, these distraction thefts have become more prevalent throughout the Lower Mainland, so we’re encouraging all residents to be watchful for these behaviours and remain aware of their surroundings”, says Suzanne Birch, spokesperson for the WVPD.
“Maintain physical distance when approached by a stranger and be extremely suspicious of unsolicited offers”.