Winnipeg Jewelry Scam Targets Elderly Residents

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Winnipeg Jewelry Scam Alert: Windsor Park Residents Targeted

Winnipeg, MB – November 15, 2024 – The Winnipeg Police Service has issued a public advisory regarding the Winnipeg Jewelry Scam, which is targeting residents in the Windsor Park neighborhood. Multiple reports highlight a woman using distraction tactics to steal jewelry from unsuspecting victims in the area.

Details of the Winnipeg Jewelry Scam

Police describe the suspect as a woman aged 40 to 50, with a darker complexion, often wearing a headscarf. She is typically accompanied by a male driver in a dark red or maroon SUV or van. The suspect approaches potential victims—primarily elderly women—offering them “gifts” of jewelry. During the exchange, she distracts the victim and replaces their real gold jewelry with costume jewelry before fleeing.

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Winnipeg Jewelry Scam Alert: Windsor Park Residents Targeted

Winnipeg, MB – November 15, 2024 – The Winnipeg Police Service has issued a public advisory regarding the Winnipeg Jewelry Scam, which is targeting residents in the Windsor Park neighborhood. Multiple reports highlight a woman using distraction tactics to steal jewelry from unsuspecting victims in the area.

Details of the Winnipeg Jewelry Scam

Police describe the suspect as a woman aged 40 to 50, with a darker complexion, often wearing a headscarf. She is typically accompanied by a male driver in a dark red or maroon SUV or van. The suspect approaches potential victims—primarily elderly women—offering them “gifts” of jewelry. During the exchange, she distracts the victim and replaces their real gold jewelry with costume jewelry before fleeing.

Reported Incidents

● September 22, 2024: Around 6:15 p.m., an elderly woman in her 70s was walking her dog near Autumnwood Drive and Drake Boulevard. She was approached by a vehicle, from which a female passenger emerged. The woman began an unsolicited conversation, claiming she wished to gift jewellery to a stranger. She seized the elderly woman's wrist, attempting to place a bracelet and necklace on her, and tried to remove her ring. The suspect then re-entered the vehicle and left. The victim later discovered her own bracelet had been stolen during the encounter.

● October 25, 2024: Around 5:00 p.m., a woman in her 60s was waiting at a bus stop near Speers Road and Elizabeth Road when a vehicle approached. A female passenger exited and started a conversation, remarking that the victim's jewellery reminded her of her mother. The suspect grabbed the woman and attempted to place a ring and necklace on her.

Police Advisory

Residents are urged to stay vigilant and report suspicious activity to the Major Crimes Unit at 204-986-6219 or anonymously to Crime Stoppers at 204-786-TIPS. Police emphasize the following precautions to protect against the Winnipeg Jewelry Scam:

  • Be cautious of strangers offering unsolicited gifts.
  • Stay aware of surroundings.
  • Refrain from sharing personal details with unknown individuals.

Safety Tips

  • Always be mindful of your jewelry in public.
  • If approached by someone offering unsolicited items, decline and move away.
  • If you suspect theft or have concerns, contact police immediately.

Disclaimer: This blog post is for informational purposes only and was created by Winnipeg for Free. Winnipeg Police does not endorse this content, and Winnipeg for Free is not affiliated with Winnipeg Police in any way. Please confirm program details and availability directly with them.

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