Richmond RCMP have arrested a 60-year-old woman who they believe is part of an international airport theft ring.
The woman was nabbed Wednesday morning at Vancouver International Airport after plainclothes officers allege they witnessed her stealing a purse from a passenger in the international arrivals terminal.
Police did not release the woman’s name but said she is a foreign national. They believe she is part of a larger, organized theft group that travels from airport to airport.
For the past month, Richmond RCMP has been using plainclothes teams from its YVR detachment to conduct surveillance on these types of crimes.
“Suspects that specialize in this work generally work in teams and employ techniques to divert attention from their true purpose: to steal valuables away from their owners. They are acute observers of people’s behaviour and their habits. They are often difficult to identify and detect as they are extremely good at their craft,” Insp. Keith Bramhill, Richmond RCMP’s YVR operations officer, said in a release.
“If a theft has been reported, it is largely after the fact. The suspect or suspects have long since vanished with police working hard to play catch up. We are fortunate to have experienced officers that knew exactly what to look for. Their timing was impeccable.”
The RCMP is working with other law enforcement agencies on establishing possible links between the woman and other thefts.
The woman, whose name has not been released, was scheduled to appear in court on Thursday.
She remains in custody.
Copyright Postmedia Network Inc., 2019
