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.

DENVER (KDVR) — A recruit has died after participating in physical training at the Denver Sheriff Department Training Academy, officials report.

According to the Denver Sheriff Department, following physical training on Tuesday at the academy, Recruit Dorbor Mulbah “expressed discomfort and became unwell.”

DSD said staff members at the academy began life-saving medical measures on Mulbah.

Upon arrival, the Denver Fire Department and Denver Paramedics continued to provide critical medical attention before Mulbah was taken to the hospital, where he was pronounced dead on Wednesday morning.

DSD provided the following statement in part:

“As a matter of protocol, we have asked the Administrative Investigative Unit to open an inquiry into the matter.  We have deployed wellness and mental health resources for the Academy cadre, to include the Recruits.

We ask that the family’s privacy be honored during this difficult time.  Thank you for keeping Recruit Mulbah’s family and our Department in your thoughts and prayers.”

DSD said Mulbah was set to graduate from the academy in May.

SEATTLE — As Seattle heads into the warmer months, growing safety concerns are surfacing along one of the city’s most popular destinations.

Neighbors around Alki Beach said they’re already seeing an increase in loud, late-night parties that in the past have been followed by crime, reckless driving, and even gun violence. They also question why enhanced safety measures seen in other parts of the city have yet to make their way to West Seattle.

PREVIOUS COVERAGE | Alki residents push for beach patrols to curb violent crime as summer season approaches

Members of Harbor-Alki-Neighbors said many people who live along Alki Avenue SW and Harbor Avenue SW simply don’t feel safe. They point to incidents involving bullets hitting homes and cars, businesses being broken into multiple times, and hit-and-run crashes that can involve impaired drivers.

Street racing is also a major concern, as some drivers use the waterfront roads as a high-speed circuit.

With the Southwest Precinct already facing staffing shortages, residents said police response times aren’t where they need to be, especially with summer crowds on the way.

Residents are also at a loss over city priorities. They point to new efforts at Golden Gardens, where private security will patrol overnight this summer, as well as Magnuson Park, where three officers will be permanently assigned.

Neighbors along Alki said similar or worse problems exist in their neighborhood, but there is no comparable security presence.

City leaders have taken some steps, such as installing additional lighting along Alki Avenue after a series of business break-ins. In the past, both the beach and Don Armeni boat ramp have been closed and cleared an hour early to help deter trouble. Still, after two shootings in the area this year, many said it’s not enough.

Neighbors are now calling for a stronger, long-term safety plan before the busiest months of summer arrive.