Jewellery Scam Investigations: Public Advisory

Released: November 15, 2024 at 10:59 a.m.

Information contained in our media releases may relate to issues of violence or trauma, which could be distressing for some individuals. Be mindful of your well-being and consider whether or not engaging with this content is appropriate for you.

The Winnipeg Police Service has recently received similar reports about a suspicious female using distraction techniques to steal jewellery from unsuspecting victims.

Investigators are cautioning the public about the details of this unique scam that occurred in the Windsor Park neighbourhood.

#1

On September 22, 2024, at approximately 6:15 p.m., a female in her 70s (victim 1) was walking her dog near Autumnwood Drive/Drake Boulevard when she was approached by a vehicle. A male was driving and a female passenger exited. The suspicious female randomly began a conversation with the victim saying she wanted to gift a “stranger” with some jewellery. She then grabbed hold of the victim’s wrist and tried to don her with jewellery such as a bracelet and necklace and attempted to take the victim’s ring off.

The suspect female then got back into the vehicle and drove off, at which point the victim realized her own personal bracelet had been stolen by the suspect.

#2

On October 25, 2024, at approximately 5:00 p.m., a female in her 60s (victim 2) was waiting at a bus stop by Speers Road/Elizabeth Road when she was approached by a vehicle. A male was driving and a female passenger exited. The woman started saying the victim’s jewellery reminded her of her mother. She grabbed hold of the victim and tried putting jewellery on her such as a ring and a necklace.

The suspect female then got back into the vehicle and drove off, at which point the victim realized her own personal necklace had been stolen by the suspect.

In both instances, the victim’s real gold jewellery was replaced with costume jewellery before they fled. 

The suspect information is similar in both independent incidents:

  • Female suspect (passenger) described as between 40-50 years old, with a darker complexion and wearing a head scarf
     
  • A dark red/maroon coloured SUV or van
     
  • The driver described as a male with a darker complexion

If you are a victim of a similar crime or if you have information about the abovementioned incidents, please contact the Major Crimes Unit at 204-986-6219 or anonymously at Crime Stoppers 204-786-TIPS or winnipegcrimestoppers.org

Was this information helpful?

How can we make this web page better?

Information collected will be used to improve our website. Do not use this form to submit a request for service or information because it will not be forwarded to departments for response. To submit a request for service or information, contact 311.

This form is not intended to collect personal information; however, any personal information you choose to include in your comments is collected by the City of Winnipeg under the authority of section 36(1)(b) of the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act for the purpose of improving our website and will not be used or disclosed for any other purposes, except as authorized by law. Contact the Corporate Access and Privacy Officer by mail (City Clerk’s Department, Susan A. Thompson Building, 510 Main Street, Winnipeg MB, R3B 1B9) or by telephone (311) if you have any questions about the collection of this information.