Valley Stream, New York — A routine encounter outside a Long Island home allegedly turned into a $2,000 jewelry theft after two people accused of targeting elderly residents used a request for directions and a seemingly friendly hug to get close to a 73-year-old woman, police said.
According to Nassau County police, the woman was approached Monday afternoon outside her home in Valley Stream by Mirabela Lacatusu, 26, and Rudi Lacatusu, 28, who were traveling in a gold Mitsubishi.
What initially appeared to be an innocent request for help allegedly became a carefully executed theft.
Woman Asked for Directions to BJ’s Wholesale Club
Police said Mirabela Lacatusu was sitting in the passenger seat when she rolled down the vehicle’s window and asked the senior for directions to BJ’s Wholesale Club.
The woman reportedly stopped to help and pointed the pair toward the store. But investigators say the interaction took an unusual turn after the woman provided the directions.
According to police, Mirabela then asked if she could give the elderly woman a hug and offered her two necklaces that were allegedly made to look like gold.
The senior reportedly agreed to the friendly gesture, apparently unaware that the interaction could become something much more serious.
Police Say Necklace Was Taken During the Hug
During the hug and the exchange involving the fake necklaces, police said Mirabela allegedly removed the woman’s $2,000 gold necklace from around her neck without her realizing it.
The alleged theft was not immediately discovered. By the time the woman realized her valuable necklace was missing, the suspects had already driven away from the area.
The incident has raised concerns about a tactic that relies on appearing friendly and harmless rather than using force or an obvious threat.
Investigators believe the alleged approach was designed to get close enough to the victim to remove her jewelry without attracting immediate attention.
Detectives Link Pair to Other Nassau County Cases
Following a short investigation, Nassau County detectives allegedly traced the theft back to the Lacatusus.
Police said the pair, who live in Ontario, Canada, have also been linked to similar incidents in which victims were approached through friendly interactions before their jewelry was allegedly taken.
Investigators believe there could be additional victims who have not yet come forward.
The alleged pattern has prompted police to examine whether other jewelry thefts reported across Nassau County may be connected to the same type of approach.
The use of a hug is particularly significant because it can create a moment when a victim may not realize that someone is reaching toward their neck, wrist or other jewelry.
Two Suspects Face Grand Larceny Charges
Both suspects are Romanian nationals, according to police. Mirabela Lacatusu and Rudi Lacatusu were each charged with three counts of grand larceny in connection with the investigation.
Rather than remaining in custody, the two were released on desk appearance tickets. They are scheduled to return to court on October 20.
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The allegations remain accusations, and the defendants are entitled to the presumption of innocence unless proven guilty in court.
Police Suspect There May Be More Victims
Authorities believe the investigation may not be over.
Because detectives have allegedly connected the pair to multiple similar incidents across Nassau County, investigators are looking into whether other people may have been approached using the same friendly jewelry-theft tactic.
The case also serves as a reminder that seemingly harmless interactions with strangers can sometimes carry unexpected risks, particularly when someone asks to get unusually close or attempts to place or exchange jewelry.
For older residents, family members and caregivers, police say awareness can be an important first step in avoiding becoming a target of distraction-based theft.
Have you or someone you know ever experienced a similar jewelry theft or distraction scam? Share your experience in the comments and let others know what warning signs to watch for.
