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.

Family members and authorities are searching for a missing Indigenous woman who has not been seen for weeks.

Gabrielle Lund, 25, was last seen on Sept. 5 at around noontime, according to the Los Angeles Police Department.

She had traveled to L.A. from South Dakota to attend a rehabilitation program, authorities said.

Her last known location was the Union Rescue Mission located at 545 South San Pedro Street in downtown L.A.

A Feather Alert was issued by police on Thursday, Sept. 26 after her loved ones failed to contact her.

Lund is described as a woman standing 5 feet 7 inches tall and weighing around 160 pounds. She has black hair, brown eyes and was last seen wearing a black tank top and black leggings.

A Feather Alert is issued by law enforcement agencies “investigating the suspicious or unexplainable disappearance of an Indigenous woman or Indigenous person,” according to the California Highway Patrol.

Anyone who has seen the missing woman or knows of her whereabouts is urged to call LAPD Detective Franco at 213-996-1800 or dial 911. The public can also call LAPD at 1-877-527-3247. 

Anonymous tips can be provided to L.A. Regional Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or online at lacrimestoppers.org.

For another year, Pershing Square in the heart of downtown Los Angeles will turn into a winter wonderland where skaters and spectators can gather to experience the city’s largest outdoor ice rink.

The holiday ice rink at Pershing Square will officially open to the public with a tree lighting ceremony on Nov. 21, which will feature musical performances by the cast of “Wicked” the Broadway musical. The rink will remain in place through Jan. 12, 2025.

The seasonal ice rink has brought a little bit of the winter weather to sunny Los Angeles for the past 25 years, with more than 45,000 skaters and 221,000 spectators visiting the famed public park located between South Olive and Hill streets.

“The rink fosters community, while embracing winter fitness and fun,” organizers said.

The event this year is sponsored by “Wicked,” DTLA Alliance, KUSC, Metro and Metrolink. Proceeds from the weekslong event will benefit City of Los Angeles Department of Recreations and Parks.

The largest outdoor rink in the city at 7,200 square feet, the holiday ice rink promises to provide “professional-quality ice for skating and entertainment.”

General admission, which includes skate rentals, is $20. Skate “helpers” and storage lockers can be rented for additional fees. Advanced tickets are available to be purchased online beginning Friday.

Private parties are also available on select Mondays and Tuesdays, organizers said.

“Wicked”-themed skate nights will take place on Wednesdays, which will feature music from the show and giveaways; Thursday nights will feature music from local DJs; and Sundays will feature two sessions for skater to enjoy the “soothing sounds of classical music” provided by KUSC radio.

If you’re not interested in skating but still want to experience the novelty of winter sports in Southern California, the Hollywood Curling Club will host three one-hour curling lessons on Dec. 21, Dec. 28 and Jan. 4, 2025.

Willy Bietak, whose production company is organizing the holiday ice rink, said the event is an “absolute must” for Angelenos and residents who want to make the most out of a winter in Los Angeles.

For tickets and other information, click here.