Police Warn Seniors of Rising Distraction Thefts Near Surrey Gurdwaras

Police in Surrey are warning seniors to be cautious after a recent spike in so-called “distraction thefts” near gurdwaras, where elderly individuals are being approached and targeted for valuables.

According to the Surrey Police Service (SPS), officers investigated 50 reported distraction thefts in 2025. So far this year, four cases have been reported — all occurring near gurdwaras.

Staff Sgt. Lindsey Houghton said it is particularly troubling that incidents are happening near places of worship.

“These should be sanctuaries for people,” Houghton said. “Targeting individuals for criminal activity in those spaces is completely inappropriate.”

How distraction thefts work

Distraction thefts typically involve suspects approaching victims under the guise of friendly conversation or assistance. While distracting them — sometimes by offering gifts, showing jewelry, or offering a ride — suspects move in close enough to remove rings, necklaces, cash, or other valuables. In some cases, real jewelry is swapped with inexpensive imitation pieces without the victim realizing it.

Harwinder Singh Rai said his mother, who is in her 70s, had a suspicious encounter outside Gurdwara Sahib Dashmesh Darbar on 85 Avenue in late January.

Rai said two people in a grey Toyota SUV approached her while she was walking alone and offered her a ride.

“They tried speaking Punjabi and showed her a ring,” Rai said. “They told her, ‘I have a bigger ring, I’ll give it to you.’”

His mother became suspicious and told them to leave before notifying gurdwara officials about the interaction.

Community concerns

Moninder Singh, spokesperson for Gurdwara Dashmesh Darbar and the B.C. Gurdwaras Council, said community members have noticed an increase in theft-related activity over the past month.

“We’ve heard about this now for about a month that it’s picking up,” Singh said. “It’s especially concerning because seniors are being targeted.”

Singh noted that elderly worshippers may be more vulnerable due to age, mobility challenges, or language barriers. He said suspects often exploit trust within the community or offer assistance during dark or rainy weather to create opportunities for close contact.

Houghton said many thefts are only discovered later — sometimes when family members notice that a valuable heirloom has been replaced with a fake.

By that time, evidence may be limited and suspects long gone.

Police advice

Surrey police are urging seniors to remain aware of their surroundings, maintain personal space when approached by strangers, and avoid wearing expensive jewelry openly if possible.

“If someone approaches you asking for directions, keep your distance,” Houghton said. “Don’t let anyone touch you, and don’t be afraid to yell for help.”

Police advise anyone who believes they have been the victim of a distraction theft to call 911 immediately.

Community leaders say awareness is key, and they are encouraging families to speak openly with elderly relatives about how these schemes operate — particularly as worshippers continue gathering regularly at gurdwaras across the city.