A New Westminster senior is heartbroken after the theft of about $20,000 in gold jewelry.
The New Westminster Police Department is warning the public about theft involving fake gold jewelry, following a report from a local senior citizen.
According to police, the victim was approached as she was outside her residence in Uptown New Westminster.
“The fraudster engaged the victim in brief conversation before giving the victim fake gold jewelry and stealing the real jewelry worn by the victim,” said a NWPD news release. “The stolen jewelry included several rings and a necklace with an approximate value of $20,000.”
The New Westminster Police Department is investigating and is asking anyone to come forward if they have information that could lead to the identification of the suspect.
“The victim is heartbroken,” said Sgt. Andrew Leaver. “Her jewelry that was stolen had tremendous sentimental value.”
The fraudster is described as woman in her mid-30s, approximately 5’2” to 5’5” in height, with a medium build, medium skin tone, wearing a white head scarf and long white dress.
The New Westminster Police Department warns that fraudsters are perpetrating several different scams involving fake gold jewelry. Some things to note:
- The fake gold is sometimes sold for cash. Sometimes it is used to distract people while their real jewelry is stolen.
- Fraudsters are known to approach people, often seniors, in public places like on the street, in parking lots, or directly outside retirement homes.
- Fraudsters have been known to be overly friendly; they may hug the victim as way to get close enough to steal the jewelry.
- Police recommend folks be especially aware of people trying to touch you unnecessarily.
- Police ask caregivers of seniors to remain vigilant at all times.
“People using mobility devices are approached by these fraudsters,” Leaver said. “If they’re impeding your movement, please call for help and draw attention to yourself.”
Anyone who has been a victim of fraud is asked to report it to the New Westminster Police Department by calling 604-525-5411.
This latest incident is not the first time the New Westminster Police Department has warned the public about scams or thefts involving jewelry. In November 2023, a resident was defrauded out of $1,800 in a fake gold scam.
In that case, a couple driving a BMW SUV, accompanied by three children, approached a man while he was walking in his uptown New West neighbourhood. The couple, who claimed to be wealthy visitors from Dubai, said they had recently been robbed of their cash and, needing money for food and gas, offered to sell their gold jewelry.
After buying the jewelry for $1,800, the victim had the jewelry tested and learned it was counterfeit.
