On May 21, at approximately 1:15 p.m., eight female suspects entered a local jewelry store dressed in shawl’s, head scarfs and baggy dresses, one female possibly carrying an infant.
The suspects worked together to distract the employee, asking to look at numerous items while members of the group gained access to the safe in the backroom and stole in excess of 20,000 worth of jewelry. The group was inside the store for around ten minutes prior to leaving on foot.
There is no video of the incident and police are asking help from other jewelry stores in the area and surrounding cities along the I-5 corridor for information or video of these suspects. Police believe that the suspects may have canvassed other stores in the area prior to this incident. If you have information or surveillance footage of a similar incident or suspects, please contact detectives at 541.682.5573.
This is not the first time an incident like this has occurred, and there have been several similar incidents that have taken place throughout California.
Similar Cases:
http://jewelerssecurity.org/video-transient-distraction-thieves-strike-again/
Incident and characteristics of distraction techniques
https://news.centurionjewelry.com/articles/detail/industry-news-gypsy-thieves-on-the-rise-d.e.f.-expands-board-of-directors-m