VPD have arrested four individuals suspected of operating a coordinated distraction theft operation across the Lower Mainland.

The incident began on Wednesday at approximately 1:46 p.m., when an elderly man was approached in the rear alley of his residence near East 20th Avenue and Windermere Street by a grey Hyundai Kona with two men and two women inside. While the victim was distracted by the male driver, a female passenger exited the vehicle, targeted the victim, and swapped his genuine gold necklace with a counterfeit replica. The suspects fled the scene before the victim discovered the theft.

At 2:17 p.m., while VPD officers were actively investigating, a second incident involving the same vehicle type was reported by West Vancouver Police near the Ambleside neighbourhood. Investigating West Van Police officers obtained the vehicle’s license plate information and broadcasted a regional alert to all neighbouring law enforcement agencies.

Just before 3:00 p.m., proactive VPD officers and Canine Units patrolling Highway 1 intercepted the grey Hyundai Kona and initiated a traffic stop just east of the Brunette Avenue exit. All four suspects inside the vehicle were arrested without incident. Investigators believe the group is responsible for both the East 20th Avenue theft and the West Vancouver incident. The VPD also responded to another distraction theft near Waverley and Nanaimo Street earlier the same day. The suspects fled before police arrived, and investigators are working to determine if they are connected to the earlier arrests.

The investigation remains ongoing. Two suspects have been released with conditions and the other two were transferred over to WVPD custody. Police encourage anyone with information, or who may have fallen victim to similar distraction tactics, to contact the Vancouver Police Department.