A new breed of thief arrives in Los Angeles

The LAPD is alerted to a series of distraction robberies in several residential neighborhoods in Los Angeles. The targeted victims are mainly elderly Hispanics. The suspect duo, a light-skinned man and woman, sometimes with children in their car, operate in broad daylight. They approach on foot or by car, engage in friendly conversation-often talking about prayer, jewelry or asking for directions. Meanwhile, they discreetly exchange a fake piece of jewelry for a real one, with a quick twist of the hand.