Police warn Richmond drivers after rash of "distracted" thefts.
If you've just paid a visit to the bank, driven away and then an apparent good Samaritan points out you have a flat tire, you better beware.
Richmond RCMP are warning people that, if the aforementioned scenario unfolds, you could about to be hit by a sneak thief.
A spate of thefts has been reported by people who have just withdrawn cash from their bank before someone points out they have a flat.
While the "helper" distracts the driver by offering to change the tire, a second person is helping themselves to the cash inside the car.
Police say suspects are targeting victims at financial institutions after they have withdrawn large sums of money.
There has been one incident where the passenger from the victim's vehicle was pushed down to the ground in order to facilitate the theft and two incidents where it wasn't until the victim reached their final destination that they realized on their own that they had a flat tire. When the victims either went into their house or garage to get tools to change the tire, they returned to find their cash was stolen.
Police can't yet provide a definitive suspect description due to the varied accounts from the victims. The same can be said as far as a vehicle description, as different vehicles have been used.
"We hope that by releasing this information we'll prevent this from happening again and catch the people responsible," said Cpl. Sherrdean Turley.
"Parking lots surrounding banks are busy places so we're asking that people keep this information in mind and call us if they see anything suspicious."
Anyone with information should contact Richmond RCMP at 604-278-1212, or if you wish to remain anonymous, call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.
acampbell@richmond-news.com
