Victoria, BC – Investigators are sharing resources to help couples’ wedding days remain joyous occasions, as we continue to investigate reports of wedding gift thefts and ask victims who have not yet made themselves known to come forward.
The warnings are prompted by at least two investigations in which gift envelopes were targeted at local weddings. In both these circumstances, investigators believe that the wedding give envelopes themselves were accessed, despite some security measures being put in place to protect them. Limited details on these incidents can be released at this time as the files are still under investigation.
“Wedding gift envelopes are being targeted because they often contain cash,” Cst. Matt Rutherford said. “Newlywed couples are usually reluctant to follow up with a friend or family member to inquire about an empty card, or absent gift, as they don’t want to seem ungrateful. We’re asking anyone who has noted irregularities with cards or gifts in the Victoria and Esquimalt area to come forward to our investigators.”
Investigators are specifically pointing newlyweds to note card envelopes that have been tampered with, or which are missing.
Officers are also pointing to two resources to help protect gifts and gift cards from tampering and theft:
Tips on protecting gifts: https://www.theknot.com/content/how-to-prevent-wedding-gift-theft
Tips on protecting gift cards : https://www.giftcards.com/gcgf/stolen-wedding-giftcards
If you have experienced wedding gift or wedding gift card theft, or have any information on these incidents, please call (250) 995-7654. To report what you know anonymously, please call Greater Victoria Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.