Police warn of pickpocket jewelry thefts in Northern Virginia

If a stranger comes up to you in a parking lot offering a hug, police say they may actually be stealing your jewelry.

Detectives in both Fairfax and Loudoun Counties are investigating several cases where women who stopped and chatted with the suspects later realized some of the gold jewelry they were were wearing had been stolen.

On March 20 at a shopping center in Springfield, Virginia, police say the driver of a white SUV pulled up to a woman returning her cart. A woman in the SUV gestured the victim over, hugged her and placed a gold necklace around her neck. By the time the victim realized the suspect had taken her own, real gold necklace, the vehicle had driven away.

The same thing happened at a shopping center on Metrotech Drive in Chantilly. In that case, the suspects stopped a victim to ask for directions, then placed a cheap costume necklace on her neck while stealing the real thing.

There have been at least four cases since March 1.

“We’ve seen two different crews ‘cause it was all on March 20, four different locations spread across the county, Franconia-Springfield, Chantilly and Herndon or near Herndon,” said Major James Curry with Fairfax County police. “And in these instances vehicles stop by our community members, they try and gauge them and ultimately try to distract them.”

A Baltimore woman identified as 21-year-old Cristina Milhaela Paun is one of the suspects being sought by police.

Police say members of the South Asian community appear to be the targets of the thieves.

They warn to keep your distance if someone approaches you trying to sell you jewelry in a parking lot or on the street:

• Do not accept or try on items.
• Stay alert to distractions, be cautious if a person is overly friendly or persistent.
• Avoid displaying expensive jewelry and other items.

Police are asking the community to call if they see suspicious activity in a parking lot or on the street, saying it could prevent friends or neighbors from becoming the next victim.