'Remain Vigilant': Hugging Robber Steals Jewelry Off Victim's Neck In OC: Police

RANCHO SANTA MARGARITA, CA — A friendly embrace could be anything but, according to police, who recently warned residents that at least one person in Orange County sees a hug as an opportunity for theft.

“As a reminder to our citizens, please remain vigilant and cautious of strangers approaching you for any reason,” the county sheriff’s department said in a Facebook post on Tuesday.

Deputies responded on July 2 to a home in Rancho Santa Margarita, where a person reported that a vehicle had parked in front of his driveway and a female had exited, approached him, tried to hug him and forcefully removed a gold chain from his neck before fleeing, according to the department.

Investigators determined the female and a male who had accompanied her had possibly been connected to similar incidents in Orange County and the surrounding area, authorities said.

Two people involved in the theft and a third person involved in an unrelated robbery were arrested on July 3, according to the department, which noted authorities found about 50 pieces of jewelry belonging to different victims in their vehicles.