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Scammers Are Taking Jewelry from New Yorkers on the Street

Police warn residents to “keep your jewelry hidden.”

Published

2 years ago

June 20, 2022

INSTORE Staff

Police in Staten Island are advising residents to hide their jewelry while walking down the street.

Scammers are distracting and tricking Staten Islanders with the aim of getting their jewelry, according to a tweet from Staten Island District Attorney Michael E. McMahon.

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.”

“These scammers may try to get close and swap the victim’s real jewelry with fake jewelry under the ruse of a gift, prayer or blessing,” police said. “They may claim they need cash, offering fake jewelry in exchange.”

The the thieves are “sophisticated” and so residents should be vigilant, according to the NYPD’s Patrol Borough Staten Island.

“When caught, we will fully prosecute those who steal from law-abiding SI’ers,” Patrol Borough Staten Island stated.

.@NYPDstatenIslnd has learned of a disturbing trend where thieves distract & trick SI’ers w/ the aim of taking their jewelry. These crooks are sophisticated, so please be vigilant & see the tips below. When caught, we will fully prosecute those who steal from law-abiding SI’ers pic.twitter.com/XJn6HQSKhF

— Michael E. McMahon (@StatenIslandDA) June 17, 2022

This Third-Generation Jeweler Was Ready for Retirement. He Called Wilkerson

Retirement is never easy, especially when it means the end to a business that was founded in 1884. But for Laura and Sam Sipe, it was time to put their own needs first. They decided to close J.C. Sipe Jewelers, one of Indianapolis’ most trusted names in fine jewelry, and call Wilkerson. “Laura and I decided the conditions were right,” says Sam. Wilkerson handled every detail in their going-out-of-business sale, from marketing to manning the sales floor. “The main goal was to sell our existing inventory that’s all paid for and turn that into cash for our retirement,” says Sam. “It’s been very, very productive.” Would they recommend Wilkerson to other jewelers who want to enjoy their golden years? Absolutely! “Call Wilkerson,” says Laura. “They can help you achieve your goals so you’ll be able to move into retirement comfortably.”