The Bellevue Police Department asked community members this week to be “stranger aware” this summer and take preventative measures that would protect themselves from jewelry theft incidents.
Last summer, a string of theft incidents occurred when suspects – typically two or more individuals – would randomly approach the victims in public and ask for assistance. After the victims complied, one suspect would express gratitude by offering the victims jewelry and either a hug or handshake. That was when the suspect would use the gesture to quickly yank expensive jewelry off the victims before jumping back in the vehicle and allowing the second suspect to speed away from the incident.
According to data compiled from last year’s incidents, here are the typical phrases and actions Bellevue community members should look for if a random stranger approaches them in public:
The Bellevue Police Department asks all community members to use caution when being approached by strangers in vehicles and follow these simple guidelines:
- Travel in groups
- Do not approach a stranger’s vehicle
- Use caution when talking with a stranger
- Provide distance between a stranger and yourself during a conversation
- Stay vigilant and aware of your surroundings
Bellevue Police ask community members to contact law enforcement should they feel like their safety is at risk. And should they become a victim of a crime, they should call 911 when it is safe to do so.
Bellevue Beat Blog 