(SACRAMENTO, CA.) — The Sacramento County Sheriff's Office is warning residents about a growing number of jewelry distraction thefts across Sacramento County and neighboring communities.
According to a Sacramento County Sheriff's Office Instagram post, suspects are increasingly targeting older adults and members of the Asian community in busy shopping areas. Both men and women have been victims. The thieves often appear friendly and non-threatening, using conversation, requests for directions, fake gifts, hugs or offers of blessings to distract victims before stealing valuable jewelry. In many cases, the suspects replace genuine necklaces or other jewelry with fake items before leaving the scene.
Recent incidents have been reported at or near major retailers and shopping centers, including Costco, Sam's Club, Walmart, Lowe's, Home Depot, 99 Ranch Market, SF Market and other high-traffic commercial areas. The Sheriff's Office also said there have been instances in which suspects followed victims home before carrying out the theft.
The Sheriff's Office also shared additional details provided by Sergeant Ed Igoe illustrating how quickly the thefts can turn violent.
According to Sgt. Igoe, one suspect entered a restaurant and told an employee that an older woman in his vehicle was unable to get out to place an order. When the employee walked outside to assist, the woman, who was seated in the back seat of the vehicle, attempted to place a necklace around the employee's neck while simultaneously trying to remove the employee's own necklace.
The employee realized what was happening and told the woman to stop. Sgt. Igoe said the driver immediately accelerated away, while the suspects continued holding onto the employee's necklace, dragging her alongside the vehicle before fleeing the scene.
In another case, Sgt. Igoe said an elderly man realized suspects were attempting to steal his Rolex watch and tried to pull away. The suspects forcibly ripped the watch from his wrist, causing significant injuries as the watch tore away skin during the struggle.
The Sheriff's Office is urging residents to remain alert and take precautions, including leaving expensive jewelry at home whenever possible or keeping it concealed while shopping.
If a stranger suddenly insists on blessing you with a free necklace in a Costco parking lot, it's probably not your lucky day. The Sheriff's Office recommend politely declining, keeping your distance and walking away. Residents should never allow strangers to place jewelry, scarves or other items around their necks and should trust their instincts if an encounter feels suspicious.
Anyone who becomes a victim or witnesses suspicious activity should call 911 if the crime is in progress. Non-emergency reports can be made to the Sacramento County Sheriff's Office at 916-874-5115. Victims should preserve any evidence, such as fake jewelry left behind, and document suspects and vehicle descriptions whenever possible.
The Sheriff's Office said public awareness remains one of the most effective ways to prevent these crimes and is encouraging residents to share the warning with family, friends and neighbors.
Image credits: Sacramento Sheriff’s Office Instagram post.
If you’d like to add or correct anything in this report, feel free to reach out to me or leave a comment below. Submit Sacramento County tips and story ideas to Sarah Denos at sarahkdenos@gmail.com.
0
0
Comments