‘Flat tire’ thief caught on camera
Police have released photographs of a man who allegedly posed as a Good Samaritan to steal wallets.
On four instances, it’s alleged he and another person followed women in their cars and told them one of their tires was leaking air.
While trying to repair the leak for the unsuspecting victim, the man would get the women to hold a finger on the puncture as a diversion and steal their wallets.
Over $1,000 was stolen.
Police hope that by releasing his photograph they will get some tips from the public on his identity.
“On all four of the counts, it appears that the victims were targeted and followed from recent withdrawals from banks,” said Det. Jason Guttridge.
“Most of them were followed from a bank or bank machine. They were followed to another location where the tire was punctured and then the theft happened. “It’s very premeditated.” The victims were not injured, nor threatened, but rather thought they were the beneficiary of a Good Samaritan trying to help them.
The suspect is described by police as approximately 30 years old with a medium or tanned skin tone, possibly of Hispanic or East Indian decent and having an accent. He is five foot six with black hair and brown eyes. In three out of the four reported cases, he wore an orange reflective safety vest.
Police believe one other person, a driver, was involved in the scam but do not have a description for that person. They were believed to be in a grey car.
The incidents occurred Monday, July 30, at approximately 1 p.m. in the 5100 block of 126th Avenue S.E.
Then again that same day at approximately 4 p.m. in the 16300 block of Somercrest Street S.W.; Tuesday, July 31, at approximately 12:50 p.m. in the 9800 block of Macleod Trail S.; and then again that day, just after 4:30 p.m. in the 3500 block of 32nd Avenue N.E.
Anyone with information on the case is asked to call police or Crime Stoppers.