Riverside County Sheriff's Department Warns About Ring Of Thieves

LA QUINTA, CA — There is a resurgence of thefts targeting unsuspecting victims, and the Riverside County Sheriff's Department urged the public to "please stay vigilant."

"Earlier this year, many unsuspecting community members in the Coachella Valley and much of Southern California were victimized by a ring of thieves, who stole their victims’ jewelry and property," the department shared on Wednesday. "These thieves approached their victims asking for directions or offering to sell jewelry to lure them closer to their vehicle, at which point jewelry was taken either forcefully or through false pretenses."

A small group of suspects were arrested, but "many more" unidentified thieves exist and continue to victimize communities across Southern California, according to the agency.

Recently, La Quinta and surrounding areas have experienced a resurgence of these types of thefts, and the La Quinta Sheriff’s Station is urging people to use caution when approached or engaged in conversation by strangers.

"It may be a ruse to a theft," according to the sheriff's department.

"As always, please stay vigilant of your surroundings and remember to lock your vehicles and stow personal belongings out of plain view while parked in public places," the agency continued.

Anyone with additional information or concerns about the thefts is asked to contact Deputy Jeff Post at 760-863-8990.