Police say a hug was the setup in a Valley Stream senior’s necklace theft
Nassau police say a couple took a 73-year-old's gold necklace after asking for directions and a hug. DHS says both are now in ICE custody.
A man and a woman accused of stealing gold necklaces from older people on Long Island are now in Immigration and Customs Enforcement custody, the Department of Homeland Security announced Tuesday. According to Nassau County police, both are charged with grand larceny in the fourth degree, three counts apiece.
The two were identified as Rudi Lacatusu, 28, and Mirabela Lacatusu, 26, both Romanian nationals. According to DHS, they are linked to at least 14 jewelry thefts in New York, New Jersey, Connecticut and Maryland, and the stolen necklaces were each worth $2,000 to $3,000.
How the Valley Stream necklace theft unfolded, police say
A 73-year-old woman was standing in front of her Valley Stream home on Oct. 5 when a couple driving a gold Mitsubishi stopped next to her, police said. The woman in the passenger seat wanted to know the way to BJ’s Wholesale Club.
After the senior gave directions, the passenger got out, asked for a hug and draped two gold-colored necklaces around her neck, detectives said. Soon after, the victim noticed that her own gold necklace, valued at about $2,000, was missing. Detectives say the pair is also connected to comparable cases in East Meadow and Franklin Square.
At first, Nassau police issued the two appearance tickets ordering them to court in Hempstead on Oct. 20. DHS said county authorities handed them over to ICE after the arrests and that both had entered the country illegally at an unknown time and place. The agency’s statement did not say when ICE took custody. DHS Secretary Markwayne Mullin used the case to criticize Gov. Kathy Hochul and the state’s sanctuary policies.
Distraction scams targeting older Long Islanders
Police are using the case to warn residents about distraction scams aimed at older people. Warning signs include strangers who offer jewelry or gifts, ask to pray together, ask for change or want help with a flat tire. While a victim is distracted, thieves can remove jewelry straight from the person’s body, police said.
Parking lots and the areas outside grocery stores call for extra caution, according to police, who ask anyone who sees something suspicious to call 911. If you believe a thief tricked you the same way, the county’s Crime Stoppers tip line takes calls at 1-800-244-TIPS.
Quick answers
How did the Valley Stream necklace theft happen, according to police?
Police said a woman asked a senior for directions, then asked for a hug and put two gold-colored necklaces around her neck. The victim's own gold necklace went missing soon after.
What are the two charged with?
Nassau County police said both are charged with fourth-degree grand larceny, three counts apiece.
What distraction scams should older residents watch for?
Police warn about strangers who offer jewelry or gifts, ask to pray together, ask for change or seek help with a flat tire.
