Beware of 'unique' jewelry scam reported in Windsor Park neighbourhood, Winnipeg police say

Winnipeg police are warning the public about a "unique scam" reported in the city's Windsor Park neighbourhood this fall, after two women said their real gold jewelry was replaced with costume jewelry.

Shortly after 6 p.m. on Sept. 22, a woman in her 70s was walking her dog around the intersection of Autumnwood Drive and Drake Boulevard when a vehicle stopped close by and a woman got out to approach her, police said in a news release Friday.

The woman from the car struck up a conversation, saying she wanted to give some jewelry to a stranger. She grabbed the older woman's wrist and tried to put a bracelet and necklace on her, and even tried to take her ring off, police said.

The woman realized her bracelet had been stolen after the woman left in the vehicle.

A similar incident was reported to police about a month later.

A woman in her 60s waiting at a bus stop near Speers and Elizabeth roads around 5 p.m. on Oct. 25 was also approached by a woman who stepped out of a vehicle. The woman said the victim's jewlery reminded her of her mother.

She tried to put a ring and necklace on the victim after grabbing hold of her, police said.

The victim realized that the woman had stolen her necklace.

In both cases, the victims had their real gold jewelry replaced with costume jewelry.

The woman who stole the jewelry is described as 40 to 50 years old and wearing a head scarf.

She was in a dark red or maroon SUV or van, which was driven by a man.

Anyone who fell victim to a similar crime, or who has information about the thefts, is asked to contact police at 204-986-6219, or to send an anonymous tip to Crime Stoppers at 204-786-TIPS or on their website.