San Francisco thieves targeting seniors who wear jewelry, police say

SAN FRANCISCO (KRON) — The San Francisco Police Department is warning the public to be aware of recent jewelry robbery schemes targeting senior citizens around the city.

The perpetrators often operate as part of a larger criminal enterprise that targets victims who wear visible jewelry.

Thieves approach unsuspecting victims, engage them in conversation, and sometimes offer a “gift,” investigators said.

SFPD wrote, “If a stranger approaches you and attempts to make physical contact or offer a gift, step away and alert them that you are calling the police.”

One incident occurred on March 20, when officers were conducting an undercover robbery abatement operation.

“A plainclothes officer observed the occupants of a white BMW SUV approaching multiple individuals wearing jewelry, attempting to engage in conversation. Officers believed the occupants were casing for potential victims,” the police department wrote. “They observed the vehicle approach a victim near the corner of 17th Avenue and Cabrillo Street. The suspects engaged the victim in conversation and during the interaction, the suspect passenger appeared to place a necklace on the victim and then forcibly steal the victim’s jewelry.”

The BMW fled from officers until officers “disabled the vehicle” on Frederick Street, SFPD wrote. Officers arrested 37-year-old Ludovic-Iustinian Ceausu and 41- year-old Claudia Voinescu on suspicion of robbery, grand theft, elder abuse, conspiracy, and possession of stolen property.

Anyone who suspects they have been targeted in the jewelry scheme should contact police. “All victims are urged to contact the SFPD as quickly as possible if they become a victim. The SFPD will diligently investigate these cases,” the police department wrote.