An alleged jewelry scam that police say targeted some of Burbank’s oldest residents ended in a pair of arrests this week, after two reported distraction thefts left seniors suddenly missing gold necklaces and other valuables.
Authorities identified the suspects as 30-year-old Larixon Oinescu and 28-year-old Maria Grigore. Both were booked on suspicion of felony elder abuse in connection with the incidents, which unfolded on Sunday and again two days later.
Police: Suspects Nabbed After Back-to-Back Street Thefts
Officers first responded to a reported distraction theft on the 100 block of East Verdugo Avenue, where an 81-year-old man told investigators his gold necklace had vanished after an encounter with strangers, according to the Burbank Police Department.
Two days later, police were called to the 2300 block of West Clark Avenue for a nearly identical report. In both cases, witnesses and victims later identified a man and a woman believed to be involved, and detectives tracked down and detained the pair, the department said.
Oinescu and Grigore were booked on suspicion of felony elder abuse, and formal charges are now in the hands of the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office for review. Their current legal representation status was not immediately known.
Local Reports Flag Possible Financial Schemes
While the police news release focused on the alleged distraction-style jewelry thefts, local coverage has pointed to a potentially wider case. NBC Los Angeles reported that the suspects may also face counts tied to financial schemes, including allegations of forgery, fraud, and embezzlement that were not detailed in the official statement.
Investigators say the probe remains active as detectives follow up on leads and look at related incidents that may fit the same pattern. For now, police are keeping the focus on getting additional victims or witnesses to come forward.
Police Warn Seniors About Hands-On Distraction Scams
In their public warning, Burbank police reminded residents that distraction thefts often start with what looks like a harmless approach, such as friendly small talk, an offer of help or even a hug, while a partner quietly removes jewelry or other valuables.
The department urged seniors in particular to be wary of strangers who suddenly show interest in their jewelry or finances, and to keep expensive items tucked away when out in public. Anyone who feels something is off, officials noted, should cut the conversation short and walk away rather than trying to be polite to a potential thief.
Police also encouraged residents to report suspicious activity quickly, even if nothing appears to have been stolen, so patterns can be spotted before more people are hit.
Legal Note: Elder Abuse Charges Can Pack Serious Time
Both suspects were booked on suspicion of felony elder abuse, a charge that can cover financial schemes against seniors and that may carry state prison time depending on the circumstances. The California Department of Justice outlines penalties for elder and financial abuse and notes that theft, embezzlement, forgery or fraud against an elder can be charged as a felony when the value involved crosses certain legal thresholds.
Recurring Valley Scam Has Police on Alert
Distraction-style thefts that zero in on older adults are not new to Burbank or its neighbors in the valley. Local reporting has chronicled similar necklace-swap and pickpocket schemes that ended in arrests in recent years, including coverage by myBurbank.
Community leaders and police alike say that quick reporting and a public that knows what to watch for are still the best defenses against repeat offenders who count on confusion, politeness, and a split-second distraction to pull off their crimes.
Anyone with information about the recent incidents is asked to contact the Burbank Police Department's investigations unit or call the nonemergency line at 818-238-3000. For emergencies, residents should dial 911. Police say they will update the community as the case moves through review by the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office.
