Langford 'distraction theft' may be linked to Saanich crimes
Police in Langford, B.C., are warning of a coordinated theft that may be linked to similar incidents in the Saanich, B.C., area.
Mounties say that on Saturday afternoon, a woman reported a theft at a store parking lot in the 800-block of Langford Parkway.
The woman told police that she was getting into her parked car when a man approached her and told her something was wrong with one of her tires.
The woman then exited her car and found a "sharp object" lodged in her tire.
While she was investigating the tire, police say a second man stole the woman's wallet from inside of her car.
Investigators say that security camera footage shows that the first man put something in the woman's tire before approaching her, according to West Shore RCMP.
The victim also told police that a bankcard was stolen in the incident and that money was withdrawn from her bank account with it.
Police believe that the men followed the woman inside of the store to try to glean her PIN number.
Police are searching for this man who's believed to be involved in a "distraction theft" in Langford, B.C. (West Shore RCMP)
'WORKING TOGETHER'
The incident is similar to two thefts that occurred in the Saanich area last week. In one of those thefts, a man approached a woman at Uptown Shopping Centre and told her something was wrong with her tire.
The woman found thumbtacks lodged in her tire as another man swiped her purse from the car, police said at the time.
"We are starting to see an increase in similar distraction theft crimes in neighbouring jurisdictions as well as the Lower Mainland," said Const. Meghan Groulx, spokesperson for the West Shore RCMP, in a statement Wednesday.
"If you are approached by a stranger and you feel it is suspicious or similar to this report, please do not engage and contact the police," she said.
The man who approached the woman in Langford is described as having olive-coloured skin and spoke with an accent. He is about 5'8" tall and weighs approximately 160 pounds.
Anyone with information on the incident or the man in the photo is asked to call West Shore RCMP at 250-474-2264 or contact Crime Stoppers anonymously at 1-800-222-8477.
"We believe the West Shore RCMP and Saanich Police Department incidents are related and we will be working together in this investigation," said Groulx.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
What is whooping cough and should Canadians be concerned as Europe declares outbreak?
There is currently a whooping cough epidemic in Europe, with 10 times as many cases compared to the previous two years. While an outbreak has not been declared nationwide in Canada, whooping cough is regularly detected in the country.
Ontario Provincial Police arrest 64 suspects in child sexual exploitation investigation
Ontario Provincial Police say 64 suspects are facing a combined 348 charges in connection with a series of child sexual exploitation investigations that spanned the province.
AstraZeneca says it will withdraw COVID-19 vaccine globally as demand dips
AstraZeneca said on Tuesday it had initiated the worldwide withdrawal of its COVID-19 vaccine due to a 'surplus of available updated vaccines' since the pandemic.
'Summer of discontent': Federal unions vow to fight new 3-day a week office mandate
Federal unions are launching legal challenges and encouraging public sector workers to file "tens of thousands" of grievances over the new mandate requiring federal workers to return to the office at least three days a week in the fall.
Watch fighter jet pilots pummel fake enemy ship off coast of Philippines
The United States and Philippines held annual joint-training drills just off the Southeast Asian nation’s western coast on Wednesday. Military forces sunk a 'mock' enemy warship – the BRP Lake Caliraya, which was a decommissioned tanker made in China.
'Ozempic babies': Reports of surprise pregnancies raise new questions about weight loss drugs
Numerous women have shared stories of 'Ozempic babies' on social media. But the joy some experience in discovering pregnancies may come with anxiety about the unknowns.
OPINION What King Charles' schedule being too 'full' to accommodate son suggests
Prince Harry, the Duke of Sussex, has made headlines with his recent arrival in the U.K., this time to celebrate all things Invictus. But upon the prince landing in the U.K., we have already had confirmation that King Charles III won't have time to see his youngest son during his brief visit.
'I killed four people': Trial hears video evidence of Jeremy Skibicki at Winnipeg trial
“I killed four people,” alleged serial killer Jeremy Skibicki told two homicide detectives during a recorded interview played as evidence in his trial Wednesday.
Seafood, eat food: Calgary Stampede releases Midway menu
The Calgary Stampede has released its menu of sweet, salty and spicy treats available on the Midway for the Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth.