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Police warn of distraction thefts

Senior in Maple Ridge had her purse stolen after a man asked her for help with his car
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Ridge Meadows RCMP are alerting residents to a trending type of theft which target seniors.

“There have been recent cases in the Lower Mainland where a male comes to the door of a senior citizen, claims he is having car trouble, and requests the victim get him some water for the car’s radiator," said Cpl. Alanna Dunlop.

"As the good-hearted senior goes to get the water, the thief will walk into the home and steal items of value from within.  He then runs out and gets into a car and drives away."

On Sunday in Hammond, police received a call about a similar theft that took place shortly after noon.

The man stole a woman’s purse and its contents before driving away in a black car.

Dunlop said it appears the woman was followed home, as she was just returning from a local grocery store.

Investigators are asking for anyone who saw a dark coloured car, possibly black, speeding away from the area of Glenwood Avenue and 216 Street to call police.

The suspect is described as a white man with a medium build, brown hair and glasses.  He was wearing dark clothing.

• Police are asking anyone with information to come forward by calling Ridge Meadows RCMP at 604-463-6251, or if you wish to remain anonymous call CrimeStoppers at 1 800 222-8477 or leave a TIP online at www.solvecrime.ca.  Crime Stoppers will pay a reward of up to $2000.00 if your information leads to an arrest and conviction.