With several distraction thefts happening in Surrey since the start of 2025, Surrey Police Service is asking the public to be vigilant.
Since Jan. 1, there have been several distraction thefts throughout the city, an SPS release noted (see map below).
While there are varied suspect and vehicle descriptions and locations throughout the city, officers with SPS and the RCMP Surrey Provincial Operations Support Unit are actively investigating all these similar offence incidents.
Some common Modus Operandi (M.O.) include:
• One or more people approach a victim and advising them they need gas and convince the victim to provide them with money on the spot or to withdraw cash from their bank accounts.
• One or more people approach a victim and attempt to sell them gold jewellery or an iPhone. After the transaction, the victims discover the gold is fake, and the phone does not function.
• One or more people approach a victim and during their interaction, remove the victim's jewelry and replace it with costume jewelry.
SPS is advising the public to be aware of their surroundings and to familiarize themselves with these M.O.s, the release said.
If anyone notices suspicious individuals or vehicles following them, they should contact SPS immediately.
SPS discourages the public from purchasing any items from strangers who approach them in public, or from non-trusted sources.
