Overview
- The NYPD, which issued a citywide alert Thursday, says groups are stopping older residents, asking for directions, then swapping in fake pieces while removing real jewelry.
- Police report 11 incidents in February and March in Queens and Brooklyn with about $90,000 in losses, a pattern they say has now spread across all five boroughs.
- Three people have been charged with grand larceny, including 22-year-old Stefania Alexandru, with alleged cohorts Stefan Alexandru and Claudia Lincan also facing charges.
- An April 2 theft in Rego Park involving a white SUV and a $900 necklace remains unsolved as detectives continue to seek additional suspects.
- Investigators say thieves often operate from rental cars with out-of-state plates and may involve children to distract targets, and they urge seniors to avoid close contact and refuse items placed on their necks.