UP TO $1000 REWARD
San Diego County Crime Stoppers and investigators from the San Diego Police Department’s Economic Crimes Unit are asking for the public’s help in identifying and locating numerous suspects involved in a jewelry theft ring.
Beginning in early 2021, SDPD saw a rash of jewelry theft and street robbery cases that were occurring all over San Diego County. The cases involved a large group of traveling thieves who were operating nationwide. Detectives collected crime reports and intelligence from other agencies and began identifying hundreds of suspects involved in these crimes.
This group of thieves preyed on our most vulnerable community members and took advantage of their kindness to steal and profit. The loss is estimated to be in the millions of dollars. Detectives also discovered the thieves targeted specific communities where elderly and people of Asian descent live and shop.
In a typical case, the suspects approached a victim in a parking lot of a shopping center or while the victim was out for a walk in their neighborhood. The suspects asked for directions or told the victim they were robbed and needed assistance. The suspects often said they were from “Dubai” and needed help returning home. Once the victims began talking to the suspects and let their guard down, the suspects used distraction and sleight-of-hand techniques to steal necklaces, watches, rings, and cash. In some cases, when the suspect was unsuccessful in their scheme, force was used to steal the jewelry.
In the past nine months, SDPD detectives arrested 13 people in San Diego and Southern California counties. Other suspects are currently under investigation and arrests are pending. Based on conversations with community members, detectives believe only a very small percentage of the actual crimes have been reported by victims to the police.
***SDPD detectives request the public's help in solving additional cases in this crime series. Attached is a document containing photographs of suspects who have been identified and/or arrested for their involvement in these crimes in San Diego County.***
Anyone with information on the identity and/or location of the suspects pictured and/or if you are a victim and have not previously reported the crime to police are asked to call the Economic Crimes Unit at (619) 446-1036 or the Crime Stoppers anonymous tip line at (888) 580-8477. Please visit www.sdcrimestoppers.org for information on how to send a web or mobile app tip.
Media inquiries about this case can be directed to Det. Sgt. Luke Johnson at (619) 446-1036 or LTJohnson@pd.sandiego.gov.
Inquiries about Crime Stoppers can be directed to SDPD Officer Mark Herring at (619) 531-1500 or msherring@pd.sandiego.gov or Deputy Marcial Lopez at (619) 531-1547 or email at marcial.lopez@sdsheriff.org.
