Police have identified a man suspected of stealing a Coquitlam woman's house keys and bank cards just days after meeting her online.
On Valentine's Day, Mounties released a photo of an individual they called an "internet romance fraud suspect" and asked for the public's assistance in locating him. He was identified within 24 hours, however police said they have yet to charge him and will not release his name at this time.
"Coquitlam RCMP would like to thank the public and journalists who spread the word so quickly and effectively," said Cpl. Michael McLaughlin. "Without your help, this suspect would not have been identified so quickly — and may not have been identified at all."
According to investigators, the incident began on Jan. 1, when the suspect responded to a personal ad posted by the victim. Over the course of seven days, the two became close and the man started staying at the woman's house.
However, on Jan. 7 he disappeared, taking the victim's house keys and banks cards with him, withdrawing an undisclosed amount of money before changing his phone number and email. He also did not live at an address he initially claimed.
Mounties have linked the suspect with three similar cases in the Metro Vancouver area and are asking anyone who may have come into contact with the man to call police immediately.
"Investigators believe there is a strong possibility that other women have been, or will be, the subject of this scam," McLaughlin said on Tuesday. "We want to make sure no more women are victimized and we are asking for your help to identify the suspect as soon as possible."
Anyone with any information about the suspect is asked to contact the Coquitlam RCMP at 604-945-1550.
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