Inland Empire community alerted after 'overly friendly' strangers snatch necklace

Residents in one San Bernardino County neighborhood are being urged to remain vigilant after a pair of “overly friendly” strangers snatched a necklace from the neck of one victim.

Two incidents involving the suspects were reported about a mile apart Thursday morning in Chino Hills.

Deputies first responded to Calle San Marcos Park, in Chino Hills, around 9:30 a.m. regarding suspicious activity, the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department stated in a news release.

“A male and female contacted the reporting party in public. They wanted to shake the reporting party’s hand and appeared overly friendly. The reporting party believed the suspects intended to steal jewelry from his person,” the Sherrif’s Department stated.

The man and woman were located and stopped by a deputy but during the traffic stop another service call was made from a victim who had a necklace stolen from his neck earlier in the morning in the 3200 block of Skyview Ridge.

Investigators determined the same suspects, identified as Washington residents Dorian Stanescu, 31, and Laura Ghiocel, 34, were involved in both incidents.

Stanescu and Ghiocel were arrested for grand theft from a person and were booked at the West Valley Detention Center, the Sheriff’s Department stated.

Deputies later urged Chino Hills community members to remain vigilant when strangers approach in public spaces.

“Recently, incidents have increased where individuals, often posing as friendly or helpful, distract victims to steal valuable items, particularly jewelry,” the Sheriff’s Department stated.

Deputies said the thieves often try to divert the victim’s attention away from their belongings.

Anyone with information regarding Thursday’s incidents was asked to call the Chino Hills Police Department at 909-364-2000. Those who prefer to remain anonymous can contact the We-Tip Hotline at 800-782-7463.