EPS officers are currently investigating a rise in distraction-style thefts, frauds and robberies, with 17 reported incidents this year, including 12 incidents in March alone. There were 107 similar crimes reported in 2013 believed to be connected to the same transient group. So far in 2014, victims have lost an estimated $13,000 in cash and property, and in 2013 an estimated $125,000.
“We encourage the public to report these crimes and other suspicious activities such as street corner gold jewellery offers to police as soon possible,” says Acting Det. Emeric Derczeni. “These thieves are very good at what they do. They target as many victims as possible in a short period of time before moving on. The sooner police can get involved, the sooner we can stop these criminals.”
Typically the thieves target elderly individuals who are alone and vulnerable, or recent immigrants who may not speak English as their first language. The thieves approach the victims about jewellery – either to give the jewellery as a gift or to offer it for sale at a substantially-reduced price. Victims’ jewellery is often switched or removed without them knowing. Victims have also purchased “gold” jewellery only to find out later it is nothing more than costume jewellery made of copper. Police are also concerned with the forceful nature of the thieves simply grabbing what they want and sometimes using violence to get it.
Recent examples:
- On March 3, 2014, a 45-year-old man was walking from the bank to his vehicle in the parking lot of a north Edmonton strip mall. He was holding an envelope containing money he withdrew from his account, when he was approached by two males and a female in a grey four-door car. The male driver asked the man if he wanted to buy some “gold,” and when the man declined, the male driver allegedly grabbed the envelope and sped off. The man attempted to stop the thief by trying to open the driver’s door, but was dragged by the car for a short distance before falling on the pavement and sustaining minor injuries.
- On March 4, 2014, a 74-year-old woman was shovelling snow on her walkway in the southeast part of the city when a silver four-door car drove up with a male driver and two female passengers, and the female passenger asked for directions to a hospital. A second female exited the vehicle and approached the woman. Before the woman was able to say anything, the second female allegedly placed a “gold” necklace around the women’s neck while removing her 14-karat gold necklace. The car then immediately left the area.
- On March 6, 2014, a 67-year-old man was walking from work to his car in southwest Edmonton when he was called over by a female in a dark-coloured van, and asked if he wanted to buy some “gold” jewellery. The man declined, but the female offered him the jewellery as a free gift. The man approached the van, leaned his head inside to try on the jewellery, and the female allegedly placed a “gold” necklace around his neck while removing his 14-karat gold necklace.
- On March 10, 2014, a 78-year-old man was in the parking lot of a southeast Edmonton casino when a black SUV with a male driver and female passenger drove up to him. The female offered the man a “gold” ring to bring him “good luck” and placed it in his hand. The man indicated that he did not want the ring, but the female placed a “gold” chain in his hand saying it would bring him “double luck.” The male driver offered the man a second ring, and when he placed it in the man’s hand, the driver allegedly pulled the man closer to the SUV. The female passenger allegedly grabbed the man’s gold necklace, but the man was able to pull away, and his necklace was damaged.
The suspects are described as being adult males and females, with dark complexions and dark hair, and heavy accents that may be Eastern European or Middle Eastern. The suspects are currently believed to be in the Edmonton area, however, they may be travelling throughout Alberta.
Police warn the public to be extra vigilant if approached by strangers with an offer too good to be true. Reputable individuals are not giving away or selling gold jewellery, or anything else of value on the street. If you are approached, realize that you could be a potential victim of a theft or scam.
Anyone with information regarding these distraction-style thefts or wanting to report an incident is asked to contact the Edmonton Police Service at 780-423-4567or #377 from a mobile phone. Anonymous information can be submitted to Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or online at www.tipsubmit.com/start.htm. If you experience a crime in progress, please call 911.