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Phoenix, AZ- Distraction Theft

by Crime SuspectsDaily Blogdistraction theftGrab and Run

Phoenix, AZ– On October 16, 2025, it was reported that a distraction theft incident occurred. A male and female suspects entered the store where they were greeted by an employee. The male and female proceeded to both the tower spinner showcases and began to look at numerous items, while the employee was assisting another customer at the other side of the kiosk. The male reached inside the tower spinner, underneath the spinner’s opening, and quickly grabbed two items from the spinner tower. The male and female suspects fled and exited the mall. Mall security and Phoenix Police Department were notified and responded. No injuries were reported.

Suspect(s) Description:

1) Male, 25-30yrs. old, 5’4, 140lbs., Hispanic, brown eyes, wearing a black cap, wearing a black Arizona Diamondbacks shirt over a grey long sleeve shirt, black/dark denim pants, black and white shoes, NOTE: tattoos on both sides of his neck.

2) Female, 25-30 yrs. old, 5’1, 130lbs., Hispanic, brown eyes, dark brown hair in a bun, wearing a small backpack, wearing a dark red shirt, denim shorts and white shoes

If you have any information regarding this incident or information on these criminals, please contact the Jewelers’ Security Alliance at jsa2@jewelerssecurity.org or 212-687-0328.

littleton, co

Littleton, CO- Merchandise Switch theft.

by Crime SuspectsDaily Blogdistraction theftGrab and Run

Littleton, CO– On October 18, 2025, a jewelry store was the victim of a merchandise switch theft. An unknown male entered the store under the pretense of shopping for an engagement ring. He proceeded to the bridal showcase and was assisted by an employee. The suspect pointed out several rings to view and then asked to see 1ct round certified diamond rings. Two certified diamond rings were shown to the suspect to compare. During the presentation, he handed back a different ring and claimed it was the same one the team member gave him. The fake ring did not test as diamond and again, the employee requested the original certified diamond be returned. The suspect denied having it and proceeded to walk out of the store into the mall. Mall security was contacted, and a report was filed with Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office for further investigation.

Suspect(s) Description: Male, white, early to mid-20’s, 5’9”, 165lbs, short cut hair, shaved with no facial hair. Wearing headphones, a black long sleeve shirt, black pants and black shoes.

If you have any information regarding this incident or information on this criminal, please contact the Jewelers’ Security Alliance at jsa2@jewelerssecurity.org or 212-687-0328.

gypsie77

VAIL, CO- Police seek assistance in Identifying subject in theft of a gold chain valued at 27K.

by Crime SuspectsDaily Blogdistraction theft

Vail, CO– The Vail Police Department has issued a public statement regarding the theft of a gold necklace valued at $27,000.

According to a social media post on the matter, the theft took place around 4:52 p.m. on October 18, with the pricy piece of jewelry stolen from Karats Vail at 122 E. Meadow Dr. Surveillance footage was captured of a suspect in the case, described as a male with dark hair and a short beard, wearing a white t-shirt and blue puffy vest. Police described the footage of the suspect as capturing him appearing to take the necklace.

If you have any information regarding this incident or information on this criminal, please contact the Jewelers’ Security Alliance at jsa2@jewelerssecurity.org or 212-687-0328.

Article provided by the Denver Gazette. Click HERE to view article.

malden

MALDEN, MASS- DISTRACTION THEFT

by Daily Blogdistraction theft

MALDEN, MASS. – Police are searching for two men involved in the theft of a Rolex at a Malden jewelry store that happened on Monday.

According to Malden police, around 4:45 p.m. on Monday, one man was asking workers questions while the other grabbed the Rolex watch out of a box and put it in his pocket.

Police say both fled on foot down Eastern Avenue toward Hillside Avenue and may have entered a car later on parked in the area.

Local business owners are being asked to check any security video they have to identify the men possibly involved.

The owner of the store says the robbery was troubling.

“It’s horrible I couldn’t sleep at night. I know its just money, thank God nobody was hurt but it’s gotta stop. We are here just working, trying to make the life, working very hard,” Brunna Peroni said.

Malden police are looking for anyone with information to reach out to them.

If you have any information regarding this incident or information on these criminals, please contact the Jewelers’ Security Alliance at jsa2@jewelerssecurity.org or 212-687-0328.

Article provided by Boston 7 News, click here to view.

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Cache County, UT- Woman suspected of stealing $5,000 in jewelry from Logan store extradited to face charges.

by ArrestsCrime Suspectsdistraction theft

Cache County, UT– A woman wanted since 2022 for allegedly stealing over $5,000 in jewelry from a Logan jewelry store was extradited Wednesday and is now in the custody of the Cache County Jail, according to Logan City Police Department Lt. Derek Dickey.

Marioara Munteanu, 43, is being held on suspicion of second-degree felony retail theft. Court documents show Munteanu is wanted in multiple jurisdictions on similar charges. According to Dickey, she was extradited from Madison, Wisconsin.

Logan District Court issued a warrant for Munteanu’s arrest on June 2, 2022. According to the affidavit for arrest warrant, Logan City Police Department received report of the theft on May 25, 2022.

The store owner reportedly told police a man and a woman entered the store, stayed for about 30 minutes, then left without attempting to buy anything.

According to the affidavit, the owner suspected the couple may have been attempting to steal jewelry, so employees tried to keep a close eye on them. Surveillance video reviewed after the couple left showed they concealed multiple items and left without paying.

The owner reported six items were stolen, totaling “well over $5,000.”

Investigators distributed footage of the incident to the Jewelers’ Security Alliance network, and a contact identified one of the suspects as Munteanu.

According to a JSA crime alert from Jan. 2022, Munteanu is believed to be a member of an international group of “distraction thieves.” At the time, she was also a suspect in multiple jewelry thefts in Tennessee, Maryland and Georgia.

Munteanu is scheduled to appear before First District Judge Brian Cannell on Wednesday, Sept. 3. She is being held without bail in the Cache County Jail.

Markus3

MARTIN COUNTY, Fla- Martin County deputies arrest Romanian ‘traveling criminal’ found with $400K of stolen jewelry

by Arrestsdistraction theft

MARTIN COUNTY, Fla. — A Romanian man was arrested in Martin County after being caught with over $400,000 of stolen jewelry.

The Martin County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO) arrested Marcu Rostas, 33, along Martin Downs Boulevard on Monday. Inside Rostas’ vehicle, they found high-end watches, a $40,000 diamond ring, gold chains, gold coins and $30,000 in cash. Police say the stolen jewelry was found inside a stuffed animal.

According to MCSO, Rostas was a “traveling criminal” wanted in multiple states and was in the United States illegally, having possessed multiple fake identifications. His arrest came one day after he stole from a jewelry store in Stuart.

During the arrest, detectives found that Rostas’ son was wearing a stolen Rolex watch valued at $40,000, and his daughter was wearing a stolen high-end necklace. Rostas’ wife, who was also in the vehicle, was not arrested and is in contact with Immigration Services.

MCSO says an ICE detainer has been placed on Rostas.

Article provided by WPTV- West Palm Beach News, click here to view Article.

gypsie7

Portland, Oregon- Suspects identified, indicted and wanted by police after $3K gold coin theft.

by Crime NewsCrime SuspectsCrimesdistraction theft

PORTLAND OR– Two women have been identified and indicted for allegedly stealing a high-value gold coin from a Portland business.

The suspects are 30-year-old Flavia Avram of Kent and 29-year-old Ariana Muntean of Lynnwood. Both have outstanding arrest warrants.

According to Portland Police, a tip from FOX 12 during earlier coverage of the case led them to contact Lynnwood Police, who had previously identified the suspects in connection with crimes committed in Washington. This information ultimately led to their indictment in Portland.

According to PPB, in June the two women stole a gold one-ounce Maple Leaf coin worth $3,400 from Portland Precious Metals on Southeast 52nd Avenue. Store owner Michael Kakoullis says the thieves posed as customers and managed to take the coin while distracting an employee.

“They were really good, well planned out. They knew what they were doing; they were coming here for that,” said Kakoullis.

The coin was reportedly taken while the women inquired about other coins. As the employee focused on the merchandise, Kakoullis said one of the suspects palmed the coin while the other blocked the view.

“She was kind of palming that one maple leaf coin, and as she was pulling, her friend put her hand in front to block the view of her, and then it was really quick into her purse,” said Kakoullis.

According to police in Washington, days before the pair walked into Portland Precious Metals, the duo stole a necklace worth nearly $10,000 from a Zales Jewelry store in Lynwood.

On the same day, investigators said the suspects went to a clothing store in Lakewood, where they shorted an employee out of $400 in cash and stole a dress.

According to PPB, on July 6 an officer contacted the Lynnwood Police Department about the case and confirmed the suspects had been identified.

The case was presented to a Grand Jury on July 29, and a true bill was issued, meaning there is probable cause that the women with two counts of felony first-degree theft.

The two suspects remain at large.

If you have any information regarding this incident or information on these criminals, please contact the Jewelers’ Security Alliance at jsa2@jewelerssecurity.org or 212-687-0328.

Article provided by Fox 12 News Oregon. Click HERE to view.

kays4

Myrtle Beach, SC – Distraction Theft.

by Crime SuspectsDaily Blogdistraction theft

Myrtle Beach, SC– It was reported on August 01, 2025, that a distraction theft occurred at the Coastal Grand mall jewelry store on July 07, 2025. After completing case counts, the items were discovered missing. After reviewing video, it was determined the merchandise was stolen on July 7th during a distraction theft, in which an employee was showing bracelets and chains to the male depicted above. It was learned the male distracted the employee in the direction away from his hands. The male grabbed gold merchandise and dropped the merchandise into his left palm. Then, the male placed his cell phone in his left hand to hide the merchandise. Seconds later, the male informed the employee that he wanted to buy a gold chain and began walking to the register. While doing so, the male concealed the merchandise in his left pocket. Once they arrived at the register, the male stated he wanted to use his girlfriend’s credit card. The male stated he was going into the mall to get her, and he would be back. He never returned. A police report was filed.

Suspect(s) Description:  Male, Black, mid-50’s, 5’07”, thin build, scruffy gray beard, wearing a dark shirt, hat, shorts, white socks, slides

If you have any information regarding this incident or information on this criminal, please contact the Jewelers’ Security Alliance at jsa2@jewelerssecurity.org or 212-687-0328.

gypsie5

KINGSTON, NY- DISTRACTION THEFT

by Crime SuspectsDaily Blogdistraction theft

Kingston, NY- On Saturday July 5, 2025, a Jewlery store reported a distraction theft after a male and female couple entered the store and asked to see diamond bracelets. The employee removed a display containing multiple bracelets and set it on the counter. The male suspect asked to confirm the price of one of the bracelets and distracted the employee from the display, at which time the male suspect removed one of the bracelets and palmed it in his hands before putting it into his pocket. Both suspects then left the store without making the purchase.

Suspect(s) Description:

Suspect 1: The suspect is described as a tall Eastern European male proximately 6 foot tall with light colored skin, a medium cropped black beard. The suspect wore right and black running shoes, Black shorts and a short sleeve white T-shirt. The suspect also wore a beige or green colored ball cap with a ‘chevron’ logo on the front.

Suspect 2: The suspect is described as a white Eastern European female, approx. 5’3” tall and blond hair in a ponytail. She wore a blue and white floral skirt and a short sleeve white shirt.

If you have any information regarding this incident or information on these criminals, please contact the Jewelers’ Security Alliance at jsa2@jewelerssecurity.org or 212-687-0328.

gypsie4

TACOMA, WA- DISTRACTION THEFT

by Crime SuspectsDaily Blogdistraction theft

Tacoma, WA– On Sunday July 6, 2025, a jewelry store reported a distraction theft by a lone male. He entered the store and asked to see a variety of men’s jewelry. While the employee opened and unlocked a showcase the suspect was able to reach in and grab three items undetected. Suspect failed to make payment on any of the items and left the store. The loss was discovered a short time later and video was reviewed identifying the theft. A report will be filed with local police no person was injured in this incident.

Suspect(s) Description: The suspect is described as a heavy-set male, possibly 5 foot 7 inches tall with a short cut black beard and medium length black hair. The suspect wore possibly prescription glasses. He dressed in cream colored running shoes blue Jean shorts and a black long sleeve shirt with a red logo on the front left side.

If you have any information regarding this incident or information on this criminal, please contact the Jewelers’ Security Alliance at jsa2@jewelerssecurity.org or 212-687-0328.