The Vancouver Police Department (VPD) is issuing another warning to seniors about distraction thefts as an 87-year-old man in East Vancouver was victimized on Wednesday afternoon.

The man was walking near Renfrew Street and East 1st Avenue when he was approached by a man and woman in a white car. 

The woman engaged the victim in conversation from the passenger seat and while shaking hands, she placed fake jewelry on his wrist while removing the victim’s ring. 

After the car left, the man noticed his ring was missing and returned home to call police.  

“Distraction theft suspects will often appear friendly and make excuses to get close to their victims,” said VPD Sgt. Adam Donaldson. 

“We want seniors to be aware of the tactics these thieves use so they can avoid becoming victims in the first place.”

The VPD reminds seniors to be cautious of strangers who get unusually close or try physical contact, to step back if someone invades your personal space and do not allow strangers to handle your belongings.