PALO ALTO POLICE are investigating a theft where an elderly man was tricked out of his jewelry by two suspects earlier this week in what may be a recurring scam targeting seniors.
Police said that around 12:15 p.m. Wednesday in the 3700 block of Redwood Circle, a man in his 80s was walking when a white SUV pulled up beside him. A woman in the passenger seat offered him a small gift, an inexpensive piece of costume jewelry.
But while placing it in his hand, the woman quietly removed several pieces of his real jewelry from his wrist and hand before the SUV drove away in an unknown direction.
The elderly victim, who was not injured, reported the theft to police. The suspects remain at large.
The female suspect is described as white or Hispanic, aged 30 to 40, with long hair and wearing a light-colored dress. The male driver was older and wore a fedora-style hat, the victim told investigators.
Palo Alto detectives are reviewing whether this case is connected to a similar robbery reported on Feb. 21. Near Nelson Drive and Adobe Place, a man also in his 80s was approached by a woman in a dark grey sedan. She asked for directions before attempting to place jewelry on him, but he pushed her away.
Only at home did he discover his ring, valued at over $1,000, was missing.
A similar attempt occurred later that day near Williams Street and Stanford Avenue, where a woman in her 70s was approached in the same manner but managed to prevent the theft by holding onto her jewelry.
On April 9, police in San Pablo reported a similar scam targeting elderly residents. They released a video showing a gray Cadillac SUV approaching two elderly pedestrians. The suspects engaged the victims in conversation and then stole their jewelry.
San Pablo authorities have noted multiple reports of such cases involving different vehicles, indicating a disturbing trend targeting seniors.
Police are urging residents, especially elderly people and their caregivers, to be alert for similar scams. The public is advised to maintain a safe distance from unfamiliar vehicles and immediately report suspicious activity.
Anyone with information about this case or similar cases in Palo Alto is encouraged to call police at (650) 329-2413. Anonymous tips can also be submitted by text or voicemail at (650) 383-8984, or via the TipNow-Palo Alto app, which is available in App Store or Google Play.