Frisco police are investigating a string of crimes that are targeting individuals of Southeast Asian descent. NBC 5’s Alanna Quillen has the details.
They are at it again: Slick thieves distracting people and then stealing their jewelry without them knowing it.
It’s the third year in a row the city of Frisco has had a series of similar thefts.
At least four reports of jewelry theft were made in 2022, two in September and two in November.
Then, between March and April 2023, police said at least nine reports of jewelry theft were made.
Each case followed a similar fact pattern: Thieves target unsuspecting, often older victims of Southeast Asian descent.
Now, Frisco police said it’s happening again.
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“It’s very frustrating, and that’s why we’re doing everything we can to catch these people, so if you see something, then don’t hesitate to contact police,” said Frisco police officer Zephani Daigle.
Daigle said Frisco police have confirmed five reports of jewelry theft since late last week.
Police said each victim was out for a walk when a man and a woman pulled up in a vehicle, got out, and approached the victim, engaging them in conversation.
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“Maybe trying to give them a hug or a blessing and then discreetly removing their jewelry,” explained Daigle.
Police said the jewelry, including necklaces and bracelets, was gone in seconds, without the victim even realizing it.
A recent victim was walking in a neighborhood near Stonebrook Parkway and Legacy Drive. Unlike previous years when the victims were all in similar vicinities, this time, police said it’s happening across the city.
In 2022, police said thieves in a string of unsolved thefts were driving a dark-colored SUV. A similar-looking SUV was seen on surveillance video during an encounter in 2023.
Daigle said whether the same thieves have returned is unknown, but it is possible.
To avoid becoming a victim, police are reminding people to keep valuables out of sight, be aware of their surroundings, walk in groups, know their location, don't allow anyone into their personal space, and report any suspicious activity to the police by calling 911 or 972-292-6010.
