A man and a woman have been arrested for allegedly using distraction techniques to steal jewelry from seniors in Burbank.
Officers responded at 2:30 p.m. on Jan. 11 to the 100 block of East Verdugo Avenue after reports of a “distraction theft,” according to the Burbank Police Department.
Police said an 81-year-old victim reported that a male and female suspect had approached him with deceptive tactics to allegedly steal his gold necklace.
Two days later, at approximately 12:45 p.m., officers responded to another report involving a man and a woman who allegedly approached elderly pedestrians, using distraction techniques in an attempt to steal jewelry.
Officers located and detained the two suspects. Detectives identified them as 30-year-old Larixon Oinescu and 28-year-old Maria Grigore, who were both booked on suspicion of felony elder abuse.
The case is pending formal review by the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office.
The police department reminded the public, especially senior citizens, to stay vigilant when approached by strangers who attempt to engage in conversations involving jewelry, money or physical contact.
“Distraction-style thefts are a known tactic used to steal valuables,” police said in a statement.