Police are searching for a con artist who may be preying upon seniors in the Central Lonsdale area, after a couple of elderly females were robbed inside their apartments last week.
In both instances the elderly women were alone at the time when a man believed to be in his 50s gained entry to their apartments.
The con artist befriended the women under the pretence of either being sick or needing to perform work in their home.
“He paints the story of the pretence of knowing the person, and it’s so similar to other online frauds where the person is a friend of your son, or your grandson in this case,” explained North Vancouver RCMP spokesperson Cpl. Richard De Jong.
Cash was taken from both women, one of whom sustained minor injuries after being knocked down as the suspect exited her apartment.
Police are still trying to determine how the suspect made initial contact with the victims, and whether or not that happened through a mutual friend, an overheard conversation or whatever the scenario may have been, according to De Jong.
“And again we are just sending that message out, be cautious when opening your door, your own personal space and your finances to someone who pretends that they may know you,” said De Jong.
The suspect is described as Caucasian, in his 50s, slim and clean shaven, walked with a cane, possibly for mobility assistance.
Police believe the man may be targeting seniors living in the area, based on similarities in the women’s accounts of the crimes. North Van RCMP is asking anyone who has further information about the robberies to call the detachment at 604-985-1311.
