6 Sought in California Distraction Theft

Glendale, Calif.--Police are looking for six suspects wanted for their roles in allegedly carrying out a distraction theft at a California jewelry store.  

According to the Glendale Police Department, on June 14, two suspects approached the owner of Honolulu Jewelers as he was closing, asking to make a quick purchase. The owner agreed, allowing six people--five women and one man--to enter the store.

One of the women made a small cash purchase while the others asked store employees if they could look at or try on merchandise.

While some in the group kept the employees occupied, one of the women went behind a showcase and took jewelry from an open safe. She then hid the jewelry in the pocket of her skirt, police said.

When she was confronted by a store employee, she quickly left the store, followed by the other five suspects.

The suspects have been described by witnesses as the following:
Suspect No. 1: Female, 30-35 years old, long black hair and wearing long black skirt;
Suspect No. 2: Male, 28-32 years old, heavy build, black goatee and wearing a floppy camouflage hat;
Suspect No. 3: Female, 25-30 years old, average build and wearing a white scarf;
Suspect No. 4: Female, 45-50 years old, average build and wearing a multi-colored head scarf;
Suspect No. 5: Female, 20-25 years old, long black hair and thin build; and
Suspect No. 6: Female, 20-25 years old, thin build and wearing a maroon headscarf with sparkles.

The police also said all six spoke with an unknown accent.

The Jewelers’ Security Alliance has identified the six as being members of the nomadic ethnic group Roma, also known as Gypsies, though President John Kennedy said they do not know at this time if this group is related to other thefts, in particular the surge in distraction thefts seen last fall.

Anyone with information should contact the Glendale Police Department at 818-548-4911.

In an email alert sent out Monday, the JSA offered these suggestions for retailers to protect against such distraction thefts.

1. Beware of large groups of three or more entering the store; make sure all showcases and safes are locked.
2. Do not let customers enter after hours.