30

May
2014

To Catch a Thief--or a Killer

May 30th, 2014 | by admin admin | in News |    0   

Can you help solve a cold case—or a new case? The Vancouver Police are calling for your help, and issuing a warning.

First up: distraction thieves. These heartless scam artists continue to prey on vulnerable elderly victims. On Monday, May 26, around 3:30 p.m., an 85-year-old Asian woman was approached by a stranger in the east lane of Victoria Drive, near 36 Avenue. The thief placed fake jewellery on the victim and stole her necklace and rings before escaping in a dark-coloured sedan.

The next afternoon, in the east lane of St. George Street, near 51 Avenue, a 98-year-old South Asian woman managed to scare off a similar thief by screaming for help. Since December 2012, there have been 215 such attacks in Metro Vancouver. See our March 2014 blog for more information on distraction theft and safety tips for seniors.

There has also been another sexual assault in broad daylight. A woman was jogging around Lost Lagoon in Stanley Park at 8:30 a.m. on Monday, May 26, when she was grabbed from behind, knocked to the ground and groped. She fought back and the attacker ran off. A search recovered several items of discarded clothing nearby. Vancouver Police have since released a composite sketch of the suspect—an Aboriginal man in his late 30s to early 40s, six feet tall and about 190 lbs—and photos of the recovered clothing. Do you recognize the suspect or clothing?

Sometimes, crimes remain unsolved despite the best efforts of police. On April 29, the Vancouver Police launched its cold case web site. It highlights eight murder cases spanning from 1981 to 2008. Despite lengthy, complex investigations, the killers have never been caught. In one month, the web site has generated 26 tips. Check out the stories and see if you hold the key to a mystery.

If you have any information about these crimes, please contact the VPD Major Crimes Section ((604) 717-2541), Sex Crimes Unit at (604) 717-0602 or Homicide Unit at (604) 717-2500, or Crime Stoppers at 1 (800) 222 8477

Note: This blog discusses general safety and security topics. It is not intended to provide comprehensive advice or guidance. In all matters of personal safety and security, we encourage readers to research topics in depth and consult a security professional about specific concerns.

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