Strangers are offering people hugs, then stealing their jewelry, California cops warn

Authorities in Southern California are warning residents of a rash of crimes in which strangers approach people appearing to offer hugs, then steal jewelry from them.

A Rancho Santa Margarita man told deputies that a woman from a vehicle parked in front of his home offered him a hug Tuesday, July 2, the Orange County Sheriff’s Department said in a July 9 news release.

The woman ripped a gold chain from his neck and fled in the vehicle, driven by a man, deputies said.

The same couple was possibly involved in similar thefts in Orange County and nearby counties, deputies said.

Investigators arrested the two July 3, officials said.

They found 50 stolen pieces of jewelry in the suspects’ vehicles, deputies said.

“As a reminder to our citizens, please remain vigilant and cautious of strangers approaching you for any reason,” deputies said in the release.

Rancho Santa Margarita is about a 55-mile drive southeast from downtown Los Angeles.

This story was originally published July 15, 2024 at 10:28 AM with the headline "Strangers are offering people hugs, then stealing their jewelry, California cops warn."