Thieves using distraction tactics are targeting elderly victims in the Los Angeles and Glendale areas of California, police say.
Over the past three months there have been more than a dozen such cases, KABC-TV reports.
The Glendale Police Department stated: “Suspects typically use a ruse to approach elderly victims by asking for directions & will remove the victim’s jewelry when going in for a hug.”
KABC writes, “In many of the instances, the prime suspect who takes the jewelry has been an adult woman, sometimes accompanied by children, with other suspects remaining in the vehicle.”
In a Twitter thread, police offered this advice: “Walk in groups, don’t wear jewelry on walks/keep it hidden under your clothing, & pay attention to your surroundings; look for vehicles and people who may be following you or seem out of place.”
Thieves have also targeted pedestrians in other parts of the country.
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In, Washington State, Bellevue Police Capt. Joe Nault said in August that there had been six such cases. He said the thefts appeared to involved a group using “an organized, well-rehearsed tactic.” The suspects tend to “create a chaotic interaction” such as starting a conversation involving a language barrier.
And in June, police in Staten Island, NY, advised residents to hide their jewelry while walking down the street.
Staten Island District Attorney Michael E. McMahon posted a flyer from the New York Police Department stating that “crews of thieves have been reportedly stealing jewelry from elderly victims, often using children as a distraction.”
