The Vancouver Police Department (VPD) says that distraction thefts — targeting seniors — are becoming more common and more prevalent across the Lower Mainland.

According to police, there were 20 such thefts in November alone, with East Vancouver being a hotspot of those incidents.

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Const. Darren Wong of the VPD says that thieves use sleight-of-hand, distracting their victim with fake jewelry, before discreetly removing the victim’s real valuables.

“They will come in, have these interactions with this unsuspecting victim, and in the process close the distance and offer jewelry,” Wong told 1130 NewsRadio.

“While they’re doing that, through sleight of hand techniques, they’re removing the existing jewelry, the actual real necklace that our victim is wearing, and they’ll be gone just like that, on to the next one before our victim even knows it.”

He adds that seniors are often the target.

“In terms of tactics and tips, be vigilant. Be aware of what’s around you, what’s happening. Have these conversations with your grandparents, with your elderly folks and neighbors, just so that they know what to look out for,” Wong explained.

Police say arrests have been made, but investigators believe the problem is much more widespread.

“It’s happening all over the map. It’s hard to target and say there’s one group responsible, or if one person is responsible. It is too early to say if it’s that coordinated. But all we know is that it’s happening in Vancouver, it’s happening in the Lower Mainland, the numbers seem to be spiking,” Wong said.

Police urge people to call 911 right away if they feel that they have been a victim of a distraction theft.