Distraction Jewelry Thefts

The Calgary Police Service is investigating a number of recent jewelry distraction thefts and robberies.

In some of these cases, a man or a woman has approached a potential victim on foot, or after exiting a vehicle. They have distracted the victim by offering to sell them jewelry, or placing fake gold necklaces around their necks.

In the process, they steal items of jewelry, usually necklaces, from the victims.

In other cases, the suspects have told the victim they are experiencing financial hardship and offered to sell their jewelry at a reduced price. If the victims did not comply, the suspects have used physical force or threats to rob the victims of their money.

It appears the suspects are travelling around the city. In some cases, victims have been elderly, and English has not been their first language.

There have been 17 incidents in 2014. Ten of these have happened since Friday, March 7, 2014.

Since May 2013, there have been a total of 52 reported incidents.

Since last Friday, incidents have happened in various areas of the city, particularly north Calgary, including Castleridge, Sunridge, Coral Springs, Beddington, Forest Lawn, Manchester, Silverado, Panorama, Willow Park, Coventry Hills, Thorncliffe and Evergreen.

The investigation indicates there are several culprits involved in the latest cases. Suspect descriptions are of both men and women, ranging from 18 to 60 years of age. They are described as Caucasian and of Middle Eastern descent. Some have been described as having Eastern European accents.

The suspects have been driving a variety of vehicles.

These incidents appear to be cyclical, which leads investigators to believe the suspects travel to various areas. Several incidents are usually reported during a short period of time, followed by little or no activity.

Calgarians should be aware of their surroundings, and cautious of people they don’t know approaching them to sell jewelry.

Buying jewelry from individuals on the street is not recommended, as it is difficult to confirm the authenticity of the items. People should be aware of people trying to touch them unnecessarily while trying to sell jewelry.

If you feel you have been a victim of such a crime, call police at 403-266-1234. Give officers as much information as possible, including descriptions of people and vehicles involved.

Call 911 to report a crime in progress.

Anyone with information about these incidents, or the suspects’ identities, is asked to call police at 403-266-1234 or Crime Stoppers anonymously using any of the following methods:

TALK: 1-800-222-8477

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