‘Grandma tried to push them away’: Surrey senior traumatized after distraction theft

Police are seeking help from the public after an 80-year-old Surrey woman was attacked by a couple in a targeted jewelry theft.

A senior from Surrey was left shaken and shocked after precious necklaces were ripped from her neck while she was out on a morning walk.

On Monday at around 9 a.m., the 80-year-old woman fell victim to a distraction-type theft in the area of 160th Street and 109th Avenue, according to police.

The family of the victim spoke to CTV News, providing in-depth details of the interaction.

They explained that it began with a vehicle pulling up next to their grandmother near Erma Stephenson Elementary, with a man and woman offering her fake jewelry – grabbing her wrist and neck as they attempted to rob her.

Sri, the grandson of the victim, translated for his grandmother, explaining it was only after the suspects fled that she realized her necklaces were missing.

“They held her head and tried to kiss her on the cheek. My grandma tried to push them away and then they took off and left,” said Sri.

“That’s a family heirloom she’s had for 60 years. It’s what her mother gave her as part of a wedding gift.”

Sri’s grandmother asked to remain anonymous for this story as she fears the suspects may retaliate and has been traumatized by the incident.

Their family is not alone in Surrey. CTV News spoke to a separate family that explained their elderly grandmother was also targeted on March 14 with the same distraction tactics in the area of 120th Street and 70th Avenue. In that case, the victim was also robbed of her jewelry.

The Surrey Police Service was unable to say if the two incidents are connected as investigations are underway but said seniors being targeted for thefts in this way is nothing new to the Lower Mainland.

SPS advises seniors to be aware of their surroundings, carry a cell phone, and alert family members before going for a walk. However, they say these incidents still happen, and it’s important to call 911 immediately to allow officers to react quickly and hopefully return the stolen goods.

“Tracing jewelry, it doesn’t matter if it’s from break-in-enter or from a theft or a robbery, can be challenging,” said Sgt. Lindsey Houghton.

“What we advise people to do is, if you have jewelry or something of significant value, put markings on it.”

As for the recent victim, Sri translated that his grandmother hopes that sharing her story will help prevent other seniors from being scammed.

Police say the investigation is ongoing, and the suspect believed to be Southeast Asian and was driving a dark-coloured vehicle. Anyone with information is asked to contact police.