By Dean Maddox, Public Safety & Crime Reporter

The Sacramento County Sheriff’s Office is alerting the public to a spike in jewelry distraction thefts hitting shopping centers and parking lots across the county and surrounding areas.

According to a public safety alert issued Monday, suspects often approach victims in a friendly, non-threatening way. They start conversations by asking for directions, offer fake gifts, give unsolicited hugs, claim to offer “blessings,” or request help. While the victim is distracted, the thieves quietly remove valuable jewelry and sometimes swap it for cheap fakes. Force has been used in some cases.

Most victims have been older adults between 50 and 70 or older, and many are members of the Asian community. Both men and women have been targeted.

Recent incidents have been reported at or near Costco, Sam’s Club, Walmart, Lowe’s, Home Depot, 99 Ranch Market, SF Market, and other high-traffic business areas. Some suspects have followed victims home before striking.

The Sheriff’s Office says thefts often happen in late morning and early afternoon. Suspect vehicles are commonly rentals, frequently SUVs. Female suspects, often in their 20s to 40s and sometimes wearing skirts or shawls, typically make the initial approach.

• Authorities are urging people to take simple precautions:
• Keep expensive jewelry covered or leave it at home when possible.
• Never let a stranger place jewelry, a scarf, or a gift around your neck.
• Be wary of unsolicited hugs, blessings, or any unnecessary physical contact.
• Stay alert in parking lots and shopping centers.
• If something feels off, trust your gut and leave the area immediately.
  
  

If you are a victim or witness suspicious activity, call 911 if the crime is in progress. For non-emergency reports, contact the Sacramento County Sheriff’s Office at 916-874-5115. Preserve any evidence, such as fake jewelry left behind, and note vehicle and suspect descriptions.

Awareness is the best defense right now. These crews are counting on people being polite and distracted. Don’t give them the opening.