Residents of the Comox Valley are known for their generosity but the RCMP warn the public to be wary of strangers.
Just after 1 p.m. on Sept. 18, a middle-aged man came knocking at homes in the Cowichan Avenue area in Courtenay. The man said he was looking for work doing odd jobs.
When declined by one home owner, he asked for a glass of water and a tissue. At this point, the home owner allowed the man inside.
While the good Samaritan was distracted, the man is then reported to have grabbed some cash from the woman's purse. Quick actions by the 91-year-old woman, who gave chase, resulted in her getting her cash back and the man taking off.
Patrols in the area by the RCMP did not locate the man, however did find that he had been at other homes. There were also thefts from several unlocked vehicles in the area around the same time.
"We are reminding the public to call in any unwanted solicitors and suspicious persons in your neighbourhood. Business licenses are also required depending on which area you reside. We need to also lock up our valuables in an effort to prevent being a victim of theft." said Const. Nicole Hall of the Comox Valley RCMP Crime Prevention Unit.
— Comox Valley RCMP