Chilliwack RCMP seek public assistance in identifying suspects in fraud and distraction theft

Chilliwack RCMP seek public assistance in identifying suspects in fraud and distraction theft

Chilliwack

2022-06-03 07:38 PDT

File # 2022-17404

The Chilliwack RCMP is asking for public assistance in identifying suspects in a distraction theft and fraud.

At approximately 4:30 pm on Thursday, May 19, 2022, the Chilliwack RCMP responded to a theft which occurred in a retail parking lot in the 8200 block of Eagle Landing Parkway. Investigation has identified three suspects who worked together to commit a distraction theft and subsequent fraud.

The victim, a woman who lost her home during the Lytton wildfire last year, was approached by a well dressed man who advised that he noticed some tacks in the tires of her vehicle. He proceeded to assist her in removing the tacks from the tires and unbeknownst to her, he stole her wallet during the interaction.

CCTV footage seized as part of this investigation shows the male with another male and a female. Still photos of these suspects are attached and the Chilliwack RCMP is seeking public assistance in identifying any of the people featured in these photos. Large images of these photos are not available.

The male suspect involved in the theft is described as a short, slender Italian looking man, approximately 60 years old, clean cut and well dressed. Investigators believe that he may speak with an accent. He was wearing dark dress pants, dress shoes and a blue tooth ear piece at the time of the theft.

The second male is described as a Caucasian male with short brown hair. He was wearing a black hoodie and jeans at the time of the fraudulent transaction.

The female suspect is described as a having dark hair which was pulled back in a ponytail and wearing a long black jacket, a white shirt and jeans at the time of the fraudulent transaction.

It is heartbreaking to know that the woman who was victimized in this crime lost everything she owned last year in the Lytton wildfires,  says Sgt. Krista Vrolyk, media spokesperson for the Chilliwack RCMP. We are really hoping that someone is able to assist in identifying the people responsible for this crime.

The Chilliwack RCMP is asking for public assistance in identifying the individuals captured in these surveillance still photos. Anyone with any information is asked to contact the Chilliwack RCMP 604-792-4611 (File # 2022-17404). Or, if you wish to remain anonymous, call Crimestoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).