Vancouver police warn of ‘organized crime rings’ targeting seniors in distraction thefts

Seniors who have been targeted for so-called distraction thefts in Vancouver this year have reported combined losses of nearly $250,000, according to authorities, which said the alleged thieves are part of “organized crime rings” made up of Canadian citizens and foreign nationals.

Sgt. Tim Russell, with the Vancouver Police Department said the impact on victims is long-lasting with the loss of family heirlooms and their sense of safety lost.