(Thechieftainspear) – Los Angeles police are sounding the alarm over a growing trend of distraction-based jewelry thefts aimed primarily at elderly residents throughout the city and surrounding areas.
During a press conference on Tuesday, the LAPD issued a warning about a wave of coordinated thefts that have already claimed at least 140 victims this year, according to the department’s latest crime report. Two recent cases in Manhattan Beach reflect a broader pattern spreading across Southern California.
These crimes typically take place in daylight hours and target victims in residential neighborhoods. Investigators believe the thieves operate as part of an organized group—often involving both a man and a woman, and sometimes even children. Authorities noted that the suspects are usually white and may be of Eastern European descent.
Police say the approach varies slightly, but the general tactic involves engaging the victim in conversation under false pretenses—asking for directions, complimenting their jewelry, or offering to pray with them. In the process, the suspect will offer a fake piece of jewelry as a “gift” and place it on the victim—while simultaneously removing and stealing their real jewelry without them noticing.
“Victims often don’t realize anything has been taken until the suspects are long gone,” LAPD officials stated in a community alert.
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The suspects have been known to approach on foot or in rental vehicles, adding a level of unpredictability to their crimes.
To help residents stay vigilant, the LAPD has issued several safety tips:
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Avoid interaction with unknown individuals who approach you from inside a vehicle.
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Be alert to unfamiliar vehicles lingering in residential neighborhoods—record license plates and suspect descriptions when possible.
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If you are targeted, avoid touching any fake jewelry left behind in order to preserve potential evidence.
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Spread awareness to elderly family members, friends, and neighbors who may not be active on social media or aware of current scams.
LAPD detectives from the Mission Area Robbery Division are leading the investigation and urge anyone with information to contact them at 818-838-9800. Anonymous tips can be submitted through the L.A. Regional Crime Stoppers at 800-222-8477.
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