A Calgary man and WestJet pilot, Roberto Pare, says he fell victim to a gold heist after purchasing $21,000 worth of gold coins and bars from Costco, only to have them stolen during delivery. Pare, a hobby investor, had made many gold purchases without issue before this incident.
How the Theft Occurred
Pare placed an online order for a 1-oz. 2024 Canadian Maple Leaf gold coin on Feb. 27 and two Lunar New Year gold bars on Feb. 18. Tracking showed the package left Mississauga, Ont., on Feb. 23, with a delivery confirmation photo of his front door on Feb. 25, signed for by an impersonator. A second package containing the coin arrived at a Staples pickup point on March 2, again signed for by the same impersonator.
Staples staff described the thief as a Black man, while Pare is not Black. The thief used a false identity, took a photo of the front door, and then removed both the tag and package before Pare returned home.
Rise in Gold Thefts
Experts note that thefts of precious metals have become more common since gold prices skyrocketed over the past five years. Pare believes the theft is an 'inside job' involving FedEx or Costco employees, as the packages were unmarked and the thief must have known their contents. He suspects an organized network is behind the thefts.
Pare contacted Calgary police, who confirmed they are investigating and are aware of similar crimes in Quebec, Ontario, and British Columbia. Costco did not respond to requests for comment.
