Jewel Thieves Target Older People Out Walking: San Ramon Police

SAN RAMON, CA — San Ramon police warned the public this week that older adults out on walks have been targeted in jewelry theft schemes.

No injuries were reported, and no arrests were made as detectives worked to identify the people responsible, police said.

San Ramon police investigated three such cases Tuesday, and several similar incidents were reported in the Bay Area.

In all of the San Ramon cases, a woman approached a victim, talked to him or her and placed fake jewelry on his or her neck or wrist, police said. The woman slipped the victim's real jewelry off as she removed the fake pieces, then was picked up by a man driving a car.

The first theft occurred at 9:45 a.m. near Browntail Way and Zebrina Court, police said. The woman was picked up by a dark-colored sedan.

Two more incidents followed that evening, one after 4 p.m. on Goldenbay Avenue and another at 5:15 p.m. near Kings Road and Bennington Way. A dark-colored SUV picked the woman up. A child was in the car, police said.

Police encouraged the public to encourage others to find a walking buddy or leave valuable items at home if going out alone.

Anyone who observed suspicious activity was asked to call 911 in an emergency or 925-973-2779 in a nonemergency.