West Shore RCMP is issuing a warning about a distraction theft that occurred at the Langford Walmart, on the same day that Saanich Police received a report of a theft using similar tactics.
On June 4, around 1 p.m., West Shore RCMP were called to the Langford Walmart to report that when a woman was getting into her vehicle, a man approached her letting her know there was something wrong with her tire.
When she got out to look, a second man stole her wallet from her vehicle.
RCMP obtained CCTV footage that showed a man putting something in the woman’s tire, then approaching her window to get her attention.
It is believed the men, who were captured on security footage at Walmart, followed the woman into the store to learn her PIN for her bank card, as money was successfully withdrawn from her account.
“We are starting to see an increase in similar distraction theft crimes in neighbouring jurisdictions as well as the lower mainland,” says Const. Meghan Groulx, spokesperson for the West Shore RCMP in a news release. “If you are approached by a stranger and you feel it is suspicious or similar to this report, please do not engage and contact the police.”
The victim describes the person who approached her as a man with olive coloured skin, approximately 5’8, approximately 160 lbs, who speaks with an accent.
On Monday, Saanich Police issued a release warning of similar thefts that occurred at Uptown around 2 p.m. on June 4, and the day before at Broadmead Shopping Centre.
Saanich Police provided the above photos of two suspects in a distraction theft at Uptown on June 4.
At Uptown, a similar tactic was used, where one man told a woman there was something wrong with her tire, then the other stole her wallet from the car when she investigated.
“We believe the West Shore RCMP and Saanich Police Department incidents are related and we will be working together in this investigation,” says Groulx.
If you have information or witnessed this incident, you are asked to contact the West Shore RCMP at 250-474-2264. (File # 2022-9317) Or, if you wish to remain anonymous, call Crimestoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).
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