Vancouver police responded to 20 distraction thefts in November, up from 9 the year before

Sixteen of this year's distraction thefts occurred in East Vancouver, according to the VPD, and a map the department provided shows all of them occurred south of Grandview Highway. (VPD)

Vancouver police are reminding the public to be alert for distraction thefts after an apparent spike in the crime in November.

There were 20 reported cases of distraction theft last month, the Vancouver Police Department said in a news release Tuesday, adding that the total represents a 122 per cent increase from November 2024.

That means there were nine such cases reported during the month last year.

Sixteen of this year’s distraction thefts occurred in East Vancouver, according to the VPD, and a map the department provided shows all of them occurred south of Grandview Highway.

Distraction thefts involve thieves using sleight of hand to steal a victim’s valuables, often by offering a piece of fake jewelry and invading the victim’s space, the VPD said. The thief places the fake jewelry on the victim—often a senior—and simultaneously removes the victim’s actual jewelry or other valuables.

“These thieves may appear friendly, but in reality, they are persuasive, deceitful, and prey on our elderly and vulnerable population,” said Const. Darren Wong, in the release.

“For those of us who have elderly loved ones and neighbours, who may be at risk for distraction theft, we can do our part to protect them by reaching out and discussing prevention tactics.”

Such tactics, according to police, include keeping valuables concealed underneath clothing, not letting strangers into your personal space, and making noise to attract attention if you feel you are being targeted by a thief.

Distraction thefts generally occur in public places, police said, noting than 19 of the 20 incidents reported last month happened “in close proximity” to the victim’s home.

“These thieves work quick by distracting their victims, then leave as quickly as they arrived,” Wong said. “Often, victims don’t even realize they’ve been scammed until much later, when they notice their valuables are missing. By that time, the thieves have moved on to another victim.”

The VPD asked members of the public to immediately report all distraction thefts, and noted that crimes in progress should be reported by calling 911.