Police seek con artists for jewelry thefts

Detectives from the Fairfax County Police Department’s Criminal Investigations Division have identified a woman connected to several thefts committed through sleight of hand, the FCPD reported on April 1.

On March 20, at 1:30 p.m., a woman was returning her shopping cart in the 6900 block of Hechinger Drive in the Springfield area of Mason District when a white SUV pulled up next to her in the parking lot. A woman lured the victim toward the vehicle and placed a ring on the victim’s finger while talking about jewelry.

The woman hugged the victim and placed a necklace around her neck, taking the victim’s actual necklace in the process. As the vehicle pulled away, the victim discovered the theft. View the surveillance footage here.

The police reported three similar incidents occurred that day. At 1:30 p.m., another victim was approached by the occupants of a black SUV in a parking lot in the 13900 block of Metrotech Drive in Chantilly.

The front passenger asked for directions while a female passenger in the rear seat placed a fake gold necklace on the victim and stole the victim’s gold necklace. The thieves left before the victim realized what had happened.

At 3:30 p.m., officers responded to the 12900 block of Wood Crescent Circle near Herndon for a similar theft. The victim was walking when she was approached by a woman who said it was her birthday, asked for a hug, and offered her a fake ring. The woman removed the victim’s necklace, then quickly entered a white SUV and left the area. Watch the surveillance video of that incident here.

At 3:55 p.m., a victim was approached by a black SUV in the parking lot in the 6800 block of Commerce Street in Franconia. A female passenger who was described as 50-years-old with red hair and gold teeth attempted to converse and offer her jewelry.

The woman placed a necklace around her neck that the victim immediately recognized as costume jewelry. The passenger in the rear seat, described as a 25-year-old female with a headscarf, began speaking to the victim as the front passenger held her hand. The vehicle quickly left the area at which point the victim realized her necklace and bracelets had been replaced with costume jewelry.

Through their review of surveillance footage and license plate reader data, detectives identified one of the vehicles involved as a white 2026 Toyota Highlander registered out of state. A nationwide bulletin was shared seeking information on the vehicle.

On March 21, Delaware State Police found and stopped the Highlander as it entered a shopping center in New Castle. Cristina Milhaela Paun, 21, of Baltimore, was detained and identified by Delaware State Troopers as one of the occupants.

Through detectives’ investigation, they were able to positively identify Paun as being involved in the Wood Crescent Circle and the Hechinger Drive thefts. Detectives obtained warrants for Paun for Felony Pickpocketing and Robbery. Paun is currently wanted and detectives are seeking information on her whereabouts.