LA Senior Jewelry Theft Tops 140 Cases as Police Track ‘Hug and Steal’ Method

More than 140 thefts targeting seniors have been reported across Los Angeles from January to April 2025, prompting a police alert. The LAPD classifies these crimes as distraction thefts, where suspects divert the victim’s attention using gestures like hugs or fake gifts to steal jewelry—often gold necklaces—from elderly residents. Recent incidents include cases in Koreatown, Chatsworth, Woodland Hills, and Manhattan Beach.

Korean American senior targeted in Koreatown in February

In February 2025, Kim (female, 84), a Korean American woman, had her gold necklace stolen outside a market in Koreatown. A woman who appeared to be Latina approached her under the pretense of brushing something off her clothes and hugged her. Kim only realized the necklace was missing after returning home. “I didn’t even feel it being taken,” she said. “It was a precious gift from my son in memory of my late husband. I’m still heartbroken.”

Fake gifts and hugs used in similar thefts across LA

In early April, a couple in a black SUV approached a 75-year-old man in Chatsworth, pretending to ask for directions. The woman hugged him and stole a gold cross necklace worth thousands of dollars before fleeing.

On March 20, in Polliwog Park, Manhattan Beach, a man and woman approached an elderly man and pretended to place a necklace around his neck. They used this moment to steal the real gold necklace he was wearing.

In March, CBS News reported a case in Woodland Hills, where a suspect claimed to be from Dubai and said they were giving out birthday gifts as part of a tradition. After handing a fake necklace to a couple in their 70s, the suspect swapped it for the couple’s real gold jewelry. The victims only discovered the theft the next day.

A newer tactic involves pretending to offer a fake necklace while discreetly removing the real one, according to LAPD.

Most incidents target seniors during the daytime in public areas

The LAPD says most of the 140+ reported cases occurred in daylight hours in shopping malls, grocery stores, and residential neighborhoods. Breakdown by region includes:

• San Fernando Valley: 86 cases

• West Division (including Koreatown): 23 cases

• Downtown LA: 21 cases

• South LA: 12 cases

Police say seniors are especially vulnerable due to lower access to safety information and digital tools.

Police urge reporting, careful handling of fake items

Authorities urge residents to firmly decline interactions with strangers and document suspicious vehicles, including license plates and physical descriptions. If victimized, police advise not to handle fake necklaces with bare hands but to preserve them as evidence.

Victims or witnesses can report tips to the LAPD Mission Division Major Crimes Team at 818-838-9800 or LA Crime Stoppers at 800-222-8477.