Kind Mission seniors are being targeted by a thief in the area south of Seventh Avenue and east of Wren Street.

Over the past month, a man has been knocking on doors and asking to use the phone or washroom.

The victims, one of whom was 96 years old, accommodate the request, only to have their belongings stolen from them, said Mission RCMP Sgt. Greg Pridday.

The most recent theft took place on Nov. 12.

In one instance, a male suspect asked the victim if they wanted to buy a fish, and in another, the man approached the victim on the street and asked to use the phone and washroom. All the victims allowed the suspect into their homes and then left the room, or let the suspect use the washroom.

The thefts were discovered after the suspect left. Item that have been stolen include wallets with cash and credit and debit cards and a laptop computer.

The suspect is described as a First Nations male, short to medium height, medium to heavy build, brown hair, and clean shaven. He was dressed well and very polite.

Anyone with information about the suspect or these crimes, is asked to call Mission RCMP at 604-826-7161.

Police offer the following tips for seniors when answering the door:

• Never let a stranger enter your home to use the washroom or telephone. If they claim there is an emergency, offer to make the call yourself.

• Call 9-1-1 if the person at the door is aggressive in knocking or ringing the doorbell, or is otherwise threatening.

• Don’t open your door at the sound of a knock or bell. Know who’s at your door before opening it. Install a wide-angle peephole in your front door so you can look out without being seen yourself.

• Don’t rely on chain locks for security — they’re only good for privacy.

• Don’t open the door to a delivery or service person unless you are expecting a package or a call. Ask for the person’s name and the name and phone number of the company. Call it to confirm the visit, and keep the door closed and locked in the meantime.

• If you don’t want to answer the door and don’t want the person there to know you’re alone, say “We can’t come to the door now,” or “We don’t open the door to strangers.”