Since January, Fremont patrol officers have taken nine police reports involving a roadside scam where suspects used a jewelry ruse to steal from victims. The latest such incident occurred on September 26th. During this incident, a vehicle pulled over to the side of the road where a woman was walking in the 700 block of McDuff Ave. As the woman walked down the street, a man in the passenger seat engaged her in a conversation by asking for directions. The woman approached the car in an effort to help the lost couple. The man then told the woman that his mother had just passed away and it was a cultural custom to give away her jewelry. The man then handed the victim a ring and placed gold chains (both determined to be fake) around her neck. While doing so, he removed a real gold necklace from the victim’s neck. The car then left the area.
The nine cases have taken place sporadically throughout the year. In all cases, the suspect(s) placed fake jewelry on their victims, while removing jewelry of value. While the motive is consistent, we cannot definitely call this a crime series due to the varying descriptions of the suspects and their vehicle. In eight cases, the victims all reported the incident involved two suspects, a man and a woman. In two cases, the female suspect reportedly had gold front teeth. Below is a list of the reports we have taken with similarities to this scam:
January 7, 2019 – 12:49 p.m. 37600 block of Glenmoor Dr.
January 29, 2019 – 10:00 a.m. Crestwood St. /Mintwood St.
June 6, 2019 – 6:10 p.m. Mission Blvd. /Avenida Palmdale
June 9, 2019 - 10:00 a.m. Mission Blvd. /Cougar Dr.
June 21, 2019 – 5:00 p.m. 3000 block of Surry Pl.
June 22, 2019 – 11:00 a.m. 46800 block of Warm Springs Dr.
September 18, 2019 – 6:45 p.m. Palm Ave / Lynn Way
September 23, 2019 – 5:10 p.m. Stevenson Blvd. / Gallaudet Dr.
September 26, 2019 – 700 block of McDuff Ave
In an effort to help further protect our community, Fremont Detectives would like to stress the importance of personal safety and have the following tips to share:
• When walking outdoors, don't carry large quantities of money or wear expensive jewelry. Even if your necklace is concealed, it may still be possible for a suspect to see the shimmer from your neckline.
• Don’t be distracted while talking on your cell phone or listening to music on your headphones.
• Be aware of your surroundings. Pay attention and take notice of people following behind you, watching you from their vehicle as you walk or shoulder surfing you at a bank or retail establishment.
• Never approach a vehicle, talk to the occupants from a distance. If they approach you unexpectedly, keep an arm’s length distance and have your phone ready to dial 911.
• Always be alert in your neighborhood. Report unknown persons and vehicles that appear suspicious or that don’t belong to the area. If you notice a suspicious vehicle, try to get the license plate and a good description of the car and driver. Always call the police before sharing the information with your neighbors.
• When shopping at night, always park your vehicle in a well-lit area.
• When leaving a mall or retailer be alert and make sure no one is following you to your car. If you don't feel comfortable walking out to your car alone, ask to see if a security guard is available to escort you.
The cases all remain open and active investigations. Anyone with information about these incidents is asked to please contact the Fremont Police Department’s Investigative Unit at 510-790-6900. We will also accept anonymous tips. Text, Tip FremontPD followed by your short message to 888-777 or via the web at https://local.nixle.com/tip/alert/6216337.
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