Necklace Distraction Thefts

We are urging you to stay alert following two distraction theft incidents in Pinner involving suspects using conversation and physical contact when targeting victims.

In the first incident, a male victim was asked for directions by two occupants of a vehicle. While he was helping them the vehicle’s female occupant touched the victim’s shoulders and neck to steal his chain. The theft was unsuccessful due to the chain’s unusual clasp, although the victim later discovered another chain belonging to the suspect around his neck.

In the second incident, a female victim was approached by a man and woman in a car. Whilst engaging her in conversation, the female suspect hugged the victim through the car window, using the distraction to replace the victim’s genuine gold necklace with an imitation one.

These incidents are similar to other recent distraction thefts targeting elderly people, where offenders use physical contact, hugs, or the placement of jewellery around a victim’s neck to steal valuable items.

Our advice:

We encourage you to share this warning with elderly relatives, friends, and neighbours who may be more vulnerable to this type of crime.