In July, a couple were involved in a jewelry switch distraction theft, according to the Westminster Police Department.
The WPD has released pictures of the suspects with hope that someone will be able to shed light on their identities.
The male suspect has a dark complexion and dark hair and a moustache. He was wearing a green t-shirt and had sunglasses in the picture released by the WPD. The female suspect was wearing a sleeveless blouse and appeared to be obese. She had her long brown hair pulled back in a bun. She appears to be Romani, a people formerly referred to as Gypsies.
If you, or someone you know, have any information please reach out to Detective Chavez at Cchavez@westminster-ca.gov.
The FBI and other law enforcement agencies report that “switch and distraction” jewelry theft is a common tactic used by organized crime groups and is investigated under programs like the FBI’s Jewelry, Gem, and Metal (JAG) Theft program.
Common distraction and switch tactics
Organized criminal enterprises, including “South American Theft Groups,” use sophisticated distraction techniques to steal jewelry from both retail stores and individuals.
Targeting customers (often the elderly):
- The hug and switch: Thieves approach victims in public, ask for directions, and then offer a hug. During the embrace, they use sleight of hand to switch the victim’s valuable necklace or other jewelry with a fake one.
- False generosity: Thieves may approach a victim and pretend to give them a “better” piece of jewelry. As they place the fake item on the victim, they simultaneously take the genuine article.
- Sexual distraction: In some incidents, criminals have used sexual or flirtatious tactics to distract a victim while accomplices steal valuables.
Targeting jewelry stores:
- Group tactics: Multiple criminals enter a store and disperse to overwhelm sales associates. While employees are occupied with some members of the group, another member steals merchandise from cases or displays.
- Sleight of hand: Highly skilled thieves use misdirection to steal items right under an employee’s nose. In one reported instance, a thief pretended to buy a large number of coins while an accomplice palmed a valuable item.
- Feigned incidents: Criminals may cause a scene by faking an illness or a customer service complaint to draw attention away from the theft in progress.
In California, suspects involved in a jewelry switch distraction theft—where fake jewelry is swapped for real jewelry through deception—can face several criminal charges depending on the value of the stolen items and the nature of the crime:
- Grand Theft (Penal Code 487):
If the stolen jewelry is valued over $950, the crime is classified as grand theft. This can be charged as either a misdemeanor or a felony, with penalties including up to 3 years in county jail1. - Petty Theft (Penal Code 484):
If the value is under $950, it’s considered petty theft, a misdemeanor. Penalties may include up to 6 months in county jail and a fine up to $1,0001. - Fraud and Deceit:
Because the theft involves deception (e.g., distracting the victim and switching jewelry), suspects may also face fraud-related charges, which can carry additional penalties1. - Conspiracy (Penal Code 182):
If two or more people planned and executed the theft together, they may be charged with criminal conspiracy, which can result in extra jail time and fines1.
The actual penalties depend on factors like prior criminal history, the total value of stolen items, and whether the suspects are charged with misdemeanors or felonies.