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21.10.2016
Juwelier-Warndienst

GYPSY DISTRACTION THEFTS SURGING

Gilroy, CA – October 18, 2016
Two female suspects carrying an infant entered a retail jewelry store and asked to see multiple gold chains and rings, and selected several to purchase. The sales associate brought the items to the register area, and one of the suspects asked to cut the tags off the items and wrap them up in their own gift wrapping paper. During the sale process the suspects asked if the store accepted Euros. Since the store didn’t, the suspects stated that they would run to the bank to get their money converted to dollars. After the suspects left the store, the wrapping paper was inspected and one $12,000 ring was missing.

The suspects spoke very good Spanish, however they spoke to each other in an “unknown European language.” They also spoke English. The same suspects had attempted the same type of distraction theft in Bend, OR a month ago, but the staff did not allow the theft to occur. Suspect #1 was described as being “Eastern European,” 5’10”, 170 lbs., stocky build, long dark hair pulled in a bun. Suspect #2 was also described as being Eastern European, 5’6”, 145-150 lbs., stocky build, and with long black hair past her shoulders. Suspect #2 carried a one-year old baby around the store and breast fed.

We have received information that a large gang of Romanian gypsies is now operating in the U.S. targeting retail jewelry stores with distraction thefts. We have received crime reports of possible gypsy distraction thefts in North Olmstead, OH on 10/16/16; Salem, NH on October 12, 2016; Grand Junction, CO on 09/14/16; and Madison Heights, MI on 09/25/16.

SOME CHARACTERISTICS OF JEWELRY STORE GYPSY DISTRACTIONS:

1. They enter in groups of two, three, four or more, often with babies in arms or with multiple children in strollers. The children are part of the distraction and are being used to convey an innocent impression to the sales associate.

2. They request to see a large number of items, often gold chains, and select a large number of items for purchase, which they have placed or spread out on the showcase.

3. The suspects seek to distract the sales associate with such behavior as wrapping requests, or requests to have the items placed in a box to hold for them until they return, or covering the items with a large purse while counting out a cash payment. At some point in this process, they conceal one or more items on their person to steal. At times they may attempt to place their hands in an open showcase.

4. The suspects find a reason to leave abruptly at the point of sale – such as not having enough cash or having only foreign money. The suspects then promise to return, holding out the prospect of a large future sale.

5. When the suspects converse with each other, they speak in a language described by a sales associate as “an unknown European language.”

21.10.2016
Juwelier-Warndienst