A husband and wife duo on Tuesday was sentenced for traveling throughout San Diego County to burglarize elderly victims, San Diego County District Attorney’s office announced.
Daniel Miclescu and Simona Paun plead guilty to robbery, attempted residential burglary, and theft from an elderly person on Dec.9, and were sentenced to four years in state prison and one year of local jail plus prohibition, respectively.
The duo targeted three victims last August and September pretending to sell jewelry before attempting to steal one victim’s Rolex and another victim’s purse containing $850 in cash. The third victim prevented the thieves from accessing her home by quickly slamming the door once the defendants tried to force their way in, according to the District attorney’s office in a press release.
The third victim had encountered the thieves in a Mira Mesa parking lot the previous day, and they had followed her without her knowledge.
“These type of traveling thieves have been prolific in San Diego County, around California and across the country for the past two years and often approach victims in parking lots at local shopping centers or within residential neighborhoods, in upscale rental vehicles,” DA Stephan said in a statement.. “Let this prosecution and sentencing be an example to would-be thieves that we will not tolerate these organized criminal acts.”
According to the District Attorney’s office, the defendants were a part of a nationwide ring involving hundreds of suspects who would target and contact a victim in a parking lot of a shopping center, or while they are out for a walk in their neighborhood.
“The conversation begins with the suspects asking for directions or telling the victim they were robbed and need assistance. Many times, the suspects say they are from Dubai and need help getting back home. Once the victims begin talking to the suspects and letting their guard down, the suspects use distraction and sleight of hand techniques to steal necklaces, watches, rings, and cash. In some cases, when the suspect is unsuccessful, force is used to steal the jewelry,” the District Attorney’s office wrote in a statement.
San Diego Law enforcement have received more than 75 reports of similar thefts and attempted thefts since the start of 2021, involving dozens of suspects. According to the DA’s office, most of the crimes occur in shopping center parking lots and the series disproportionally targets the elderly and significant number of Asian victims in the Mira Mesa neighborhood and in National City.
The District Attorney’s office offered the following tips to avoid theft:
- To avoid being victimized, immediately walk away if approached by anyone offering jewelry.
- Remain in contact with other people or witnesses if possible and create distance between yourself and anyone offering jewelry, including their vehicles as suspects may attempt to grab jewelry and speed away.
- If contacted in a parking lot, ensure that you are not being followed when you drive away.
- Report aggressive parking lot jewelry sales to store employees or police.
