The Bellevue Police Department is heightening awareness among the community after a spate of cunning thefts have been perpetrated against older adults in the streets of Bellevue. As reported by FOX 13 Seattle, assailants, a young male and female duo, have been exploiting the goodwill of senior residents, orchestrating a ruse where they feign a need for assistance.

Once a helpful hand is extended by the victim, the female suspect offers fake gratitude with an offer of jewelry followed by either a hug or handshake. It is during these moments of supposed kindness that victims find themselves divested of their own valuables. This alarming strategy has led to an urgent call for vigilance from local authorities. "The female suspect would then use the gesture to yank the jewelry off the victim, get into a car and the male suspect would drive away at a high rate of speed," stated the Bellevue Police Department.

A specific incident was highlighted by KOMO News, where a 91-year-old man fell prey to these deceitful tactics on June 25 around 8:24 p.m. on the 13800 block of SE 44th Street. The elderly man was approached by the pair in a white SUV, under the guise of asking for directions, before they abruptly snatched his jewelry and made their getaway in the vehicle.

The string of thefts has prompted the Bellevue Police to use their social media platforms to reiterate warnings to the citizens. According to a post by the Bellevue Police Department on X, residents are advised to exercise caution and report any suspicious activity. The emphasis remains on community members to guard against these targeted attacks by staying alert and safeguarding their possessions, especially when approached by strangers under questionable circumstances.

Stranger Danger: Bellevue Police ask residents to stay vigilant following street thefts targeting older residents https://t.co/xccbyTOK9N

— Bellevue, WA Police (@BvuePD) June 26, 2024