ELDERLY VICTIMS TARGETED FOR HIGH END JEWELRY THEFT
Union City Police Officers responded to 3 different incidents involving elderly victims targeted for their jewelry on January 13th and 14th.
All three of these incidents had similarities in the commission of the thefts. The suspects engaged the victims in conversation and placed costume jewelry onto the victims' necks and wrists. In all three incidents, the victims rejected the jewelry and upon removal, the suspects took the victim's valuable jewelry and watches while leaving behind the costume jewelry. The suspects are using confusion and sleight of hand to remove the victim's jewelry. Two victims were 79 years old, and the other was 59 years old. These incidents were documented in report #220113005, #220114016, and #220114016.
All 3 victims provided similar suspect descriptions:
SUSPECT #1 Middle Eastern Male, approximately 30-35 years old with a beard.
SUSPECT #2 Middle Eastern Female, approximately 30-35 years old.
Victims may have been targeted due to their age and the visible jewelry they were wearing. Union City Police Detectives are pursuing leads and have shared information with other neighboring law enforcement agencies who may be dealing with the same suspects or copycat crimes.
Police are encouraging people to be aware of their surroundings and cautious of being approached by strangers. Community members can protect themselves by traveling and walking in pairs or small groups as well as being mindful of the attention they garner by wearing visible, valuable jewelry and watches.
Union City Police are seeking anyone who may have had similar exchanges with potential suspects or who may have witnessed any of these events to please contact the Union City anonymous tip line at (510)675-5207 or email [email protected].
PIO Sergeant Hayward will be available for inquiries from 7:30-9:30 PM at (510)714-1694.
