The Russell and Shoal Lake RCMP Detachments would like to warn area citizens of several reports of thefts targeting elderly citizens.
Between September 20 and 23, 2013, Russell and Shoal Lake RCMP received eight reports of thefts targeting elderly residents in the communities of Russell, Foxwarren and the RM of Silver Creek.
Police say that the thefts have disturbing similarities in that purses were stolen in all incidents. In most cases, a young woman shows up at the doorstep asking to use the washroom. When the elderly resident allows the woman inside, her purse is stolen. In two incidents, two elderly women were pushed down by the suspect during the thefts and suffered minor injuries.
RCMP report that the victims were between the ages of 78 and 92 and many live in their own homes. RCMP are asking anyone with information or who may have been a victim of a similar crime to call the Russell RCMP Detachment at 204-773-3051. If you wish to remain anonymous, contact Manitoba Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477(TIPS), submit a tip online at www.manitobacrimestoppers.com or text TIPMAN plus your message to Crimes(274637).
