Chinese nationals walk away from B.C. tour groups; police ask for public help
RICHMOND, B.C. - Mounties in Richmond, B.C, say two Chinese nationals have walked away from tour groups visiting the Lower Mainland, bringing the total number to four since last summer.
Police say 52-year-old Suqin Feng was last seen early Feb. 19 at Richmond's Holiday Inn Express, but when her roommate awoke Feng was gone and had taken her own luggage.
They say video surveillance shows Feng left the hotel on her own accord and with her luggage around 4 a.m.
Almost one month earlier, 61-year-old Yanyun Chen was also reported missing from the Hampton Inn.
Police say Chen was scheduled to meet her shuttle bus Jan. 22 but never did, and she and her luggage were not on the return flight to China.
Police say they have contacted Chinese consular officials, the RCMP's missing persons unit and the Canada Border Services Agency.
They're asking for public assistance in locating the individuals.
"While foul play is not suspected in any of the incidents, it’s concerning that tourists are being reported missing from tour groups," said Cpl. Sherrdean Turley, of the Richmond RCMP in a statement.
"Considerable time and resources must be devoted to ensuring the well being of these persons."
A police news release did not give further information on the other two people who police say walked away.
