Reporting Deputy: Sergeant Jamie Lewis
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Earlier this year, many unsuspecting community members in the Coachella Valley and much of Southern California were victimized by a ring of thieves, who stole their victims’ jewelry and property. These thieves approached their victims asking for directions or offering to sell jewelry to lure them closer to their vehicle, at which point jewelry was taken either forcefully or through false pretenses.
Deputies from the La Quinta Special Enforcement Team and investigators from the Thermal Sheriff’s Station Special Investigations Unit identified and arrested a small group of these suspects but learned that many more unidentified suspects existed and continued to victimize communities across Southern California.
Recently, La Quinta has experienced a resurgence of these types of thefts within the community and surrounding areas. La Quinta Sheriff’s Station urges everyone to use caution when approached or engaged in conversation by strangers as it may be a ruse to a theft.
As always, please stay vigilant of your surroundings and remember to lock your vehicles and stow personal belongings out of plain view while parked in public places.
Anyone with additional information, questions, or concerns is asked to contact Deputy Jeff Post at (760) 863-8990.
For media inquiries regarding this incident please contact the Media Information Bureau.
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