NEWS RELEASE
NIAGARA REGIONAL POLICE
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June 8 update:
2 District Niagara Falls detectives are continuing to investigate the robbery of a local 88-year-old man that occurred on May 23, 2021.
As a result of the ongoing investigation detectives have been able to rule out the previously released image of a possible suspect van.
Detectives are now attempting to obtain any information on a dark coloured mini van with white letting on the passenger side window.
Detectives are also asking the public to be on the lookout for the victim’s jewellery that was stolen.
In the event that a member of the public observes the stolen jewellery being sold online or in second hand store they are asked to contact the police.
The victim described his stolen rings as follows:
• one yellow gold band with three diamonds in a straight line on the front (value $1,200)
• one yellow gold men's ring with a square top and 9-11 small diamonds on the front (value $1,200)
Members of the public who wish to provide information anonymously can contact Crime Stoppers of Niagara online or by calling 1-800-222-8477.
Crime Stoppers offers cash rewards to persons who contact the program with information which leads to an arrest.
If you recognize the van or know the location of the victim’s stolen rings you are being asked to contact Detective Constable Josh Harris #9667 at [email protected] or 905-688-4111 ext. 1009667.
Original release:
On Sunday, May 23, 2021, 2 District uniform officers from the Niagara Regional Police Service (NRPS) responded to a report of a robbery in Niagara Falls.
The initial investigation determined that on May 23, 2021, between 3 and 3:15 p.m., the 88-year-old male victim was walking westbound on Dunn Street near Dorchester Road.
A black van also travelling westbound on Dunn Street, stopped beside victim and a female suspect exited the vehicle and approached him. The suspect had a handful of gold plated jewelry in her hand and asked victim if he would give her $20-$40 for it so that she could get gas.
Although the victim did not want the jewelry, he felt bad for the female and agreed to pay her $20 and she gave him two rings. The suspect pleaded with the victim to give her another $20 which victim again provided her and he was given two more rings and a chain.
The female suspect then grabbed victim’s left hand and aggressively pulled off the two rings victim wore on his ring finger. The victim pleaded with the suspect to not take the rings, as they were his wedding rings from his late wife.
The suspect then pretended to place the rings in the victim’s pant pocket and got in her vehicle and left. The victim checked his pocket for the rings, and realized were not there. The vehicle was last seen heading westbound on Dunn Street.
The suspect has been described as:
- Female, South Asian
- 5'10, heavy/muscular build
- The suspect wore a dark coloured Abaya. (An Abaya is a long loose fitting garment. The Abaya can be worn along with a head covering by women)
The victim described his stolen rings as follows:
- One yellow gold band with three diamonds in a straight line on the front (value $1,200)
- One yellow gold men's ring with a square top and 9-11 small diamonds on the front (value $1,200)
In addition, three to four children between the ages of 8-12 years old were in the back seat of the vehicle.
Any information regarding this incident can be forwarded to Detective Constable Josh Harris #9667 at [email protected] or 905-688-4111 ext. 1009667.
Anyone (residents or businesses) in the area with closed circuit security cameras, doorbell video cameras, or dash cameras are asked to review their footage for suspicious activity for the period between 2:45 and 3:45 p.m. on May 23, 2021. Of note is the victim uses a mobility walker to assist him.
Members of the public who wish to provide information anonymously can contact Crime Stoppers of Niagara online or by calling 1-800-222-8477. Crime Stoppers offers cash rewards to persons who contact the program with information which leads to an arrest.
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