Crime & Safety
2 Romanian Nationals Arrested After Nassau Necklace Scam: PD
After providing directions, a 73-year-old woman was offered a hug and 2 necklaces before she noticed her gold necklace missing, police say.
VALLEY STREAM, NY — Two Romanian Nationals were arrested on grand larceny charges in Valley Stream, Nassau County police said.
Police said a 73-year-old woman was standing in front of her home on Monday at 2:40 p.m. when a gold Mitsubishi, carrying a man and a woman, stopped.
The female passenger asked the 73-year-old woman for directions to BJ's Wholesale Club, and after receiving the directions, she exited the car and asked for a hug, police said. The passenger then placed two gold-colored necklaces around the woman's neck and left the scene, police said.
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According to police, the 73-year-old woman said she noticed her gold necklace, which was valued at about $2,000, had been removed from her neck.
Upon investigation, 26-year-old Mirabela Lacatusu and 28-year-old Rudi Lacatusu, both of Ontario, were arrested, police said. Police said the duo was tied to similar incidents in Franklin Square and East Meadow.
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They were charged with three counts of fourth-degree grand larceny and were issued appearance tickets returnable to First District Court in Hempstead on Oct. 20, police said.
Folks who feel they were affected by a similar incident can contact Nassau County Crime Stoppers at 1-800-244-TIPS.
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