Two suspects were arrested by the NYPD with the help of Shomrim after allegedly running a street-level scam that targeted elderly women using a deceptive jewelry swap.
The suspects approached their victims under the pretense of asking for directions. As a gesture of thanks, they offered flashy costume jewelry. During the exchange, they leaned in and discreetly removed the women’s actual jewelry leaving the victims unaware until it was too late.
One victim contacted Shomrim as soon as she realized what had happened. Volunteers responded immediately, gathering key information and canvassing the area. At the same time, the Shomrim IT team began reviewing surveillance footage to track the suspects’ movements.
A sharp-eyed volunteer spotted the suspects’ vehicle as they appeared to be attempting the same scam on another woman. Shomrim quickly notified the NYPD with the location. Officers arrived just as the suspects pulled into a local body shop, where they were taken into custody.