Brazen Jewelry Thieves Targeting 'Vulnerable Victims' In RivCo: RSO

RIVERSIDE COUNTY, CA — This week, two people forcibly took jewelry from an 87-year-old La Quinta woman as she sat inside her car. The Riverside County Sheriff's Department is warning the public that the theft was not an isolated event.

"Throughout the month of February, the Riverside County Sheriff's Office has seen an increase in jewelry thefts with similar circumstances," Sgt. David Aldrich said. "The Riverside County Sheriff’s Office is asking the public to stay vigilant ... ."

Monday afternoon, the elderly woman was in her vehicle waiting for her husband to leave a Coachella Valley store. As she sat, a suspect— a Romanian woman— opened the car door and forcibly removed a ring and necklace from the victim, according to Aldrich.

"There was a brief struggle during the robbery, and the victim sustained minor injuries," the sergeant said. "The victim declined medical treatment and was released at the scene."

Though the suspects were later located in Murrieta and the woman's jewelry was found in their possession, the sheriff's department warned the public that this sort of robbery has happened on other occasions.

According to Aldrich, in most cases, at least two people will approach people in parking lots and ask for directions or try to sell jewelry. The thieves use distraction and sleight of hand to remove unsuspecting victims' jewelry and may leave "fake jewelry" behind.

"If the victims resist or fight back, force is used to remove the jewelry, as in La Quinta," Aldrich said.

If this has happened to you or someone you know, the Riverside County Sheriff's Department asks you to report the crime. Also, be on the lookout for suspicious activity. Leave an anonymous tip on Valley Crimestoppers at 760-341-7867.