Montreal police are warning West Islanders to keep a close eye on their money and to be aware of their surroundings when doing business at banks, bureau de change outlets and other institutes of commerce.
In recent weeks, a group of thieves, possibly three to four suspects, have been targeting customers as they come out of West Island banks and bureau de change outlets, said police in a warning issued Friday, July 24, by Stations, 1, 3, 4 and 5.
Generally, the thieves have been working in teams with one suspect assigned to distract the chosen victim as he or she places a briefcase, purse or other belongings in a parked vehicle while a second suspect grabs the belongings often from the other side of the vehicle.
“Where is the closest hospital?”, “You have dropped some money on the ground” and “you have a stain on your jacket,” are among the con lines being used. Police are reminding people to be vigilant when they are carrying large sums of money.