Police say a “hug-and-snatch” jewelry theft scheme targeted seniors across four states, and two unlawfully present Romanian nationals are now in federal custody.
Story Highlights
- Nassau County police arrested Mirabela and Rudi Lacatusu and filed six grand larceny charges tied to local incidents.
- Detectives described a “directions, then a hug” distraction method used to remove victims’ necklaces.
- Investigators linked the pair to at least 14 suspected thefts across New York and neighboring states.
- Department of Homeland Security reported the couple was transferred to Immigration and Customs Enforcement custody.
Arrests And Charges Announced By Nassau County Police
Nassau County police identified Mirabela Lacatusu, 26, and Rudi Lacatusu, 28, as suspects arrested in connection with necklace thefts on Long Island. Police charged each with three counts of fourth-degree grand larceny based on identified incidents in Nassau County. Police officials urged residents to stay alert and report similar approaches in their neighborhoods. The arrests came after local detectives tracked a pattern of encounters that targeted seniors in public places and residential areas.
The police commissioner said detectives recognized a common setup in multiple reports. Suspects allegedly asked for directions, stepped in close, and created a quick distraction with a hug or touch. During that contact, the victim’s necklace was removed, sometimes swapped for a cheap chain. Local reporting described a senior who lost a necklace worth about two thousand dollars in one such encounter. Police say the simple script let thieves move fast and avoid a public scene.
Multi-State Links And Ongoing Investigation
Investigators said they connected the couple to additional incidents beyond the six Nassau charges. Police tied similar thefts in Franklin Square and East Meadow to the same pattern and said the pair is suspected in at least fourteen cases across several states. Reporting states the suspected spree reached New Jersey, Connecticut, and Maryland, adding interstate scope to the case. Detectives reportedly traveled to Maryland to conduct surveillance and shared findings with Long Island colleagues for follow-up action.
The Department of Homeland Security stated that the couple is unlawfully present and now in Immigration and Customs Enforcement custody following the local arrests. The department described the alleged thefts as spanning New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, and Maryland, aligning with the multi-state picture laid out by local authorities. The department credited local investigations for identifying the pattern and said the federal transfer followed standard procedures after local charges were filed.
Why The Method Worked And How To Protect Your Family
Criminals often rely on speed, surprise, and social pressure. In this case, police say the suspects used a polite request for directions to lower a victim’s guard. The hug or touch created a second of confusion. That was enough time to unclasp a chain or pull a pendant. Seniors are at higher risk because they tend to be gracious and helpful. Families should coach parents and grandparents to keep space, decline hugs from strangers, and call police if they feel pressured.
Residents can also take simple steps to reduce loss if targeted. Wearing less visible jewelry in public reduces risk. Taking a quick photo of valuable pieces and keeping receipts helps recovery and insurance later. If approached, standing where others can see you and keeping a phone in hand can deter a thief. If a theft happens, police advise not to chase. Call 911, note the car make, model, color, and plate, and give a clear description of height, clothing, and any accent.
Policy Stakes For Border Security And Community Safety
This case shows how a weak spot in the system can put our seniors in harm’s way. Local police did their job, built the case, and made the arrests. The Department of Homeland Security then took custody, linking local charges to federal immigration enforcement. Conservatives have long argued that strong borders and firm interior enforcement protect law-abiding families. When agencies work in sync, they can stop traveling crews that move from county to county looking for soft targets.
The alleged total of fourteen thefts remains an investigative count, and only the Nassau charges are filed at this time. Still, the described method and the rapid movement across state lines fit a pattern that strains local resources. That is why information sharing matters. When officers pass leads fast, predators lose the advantage of surprise. Communities on Long Island and beyond can expect more joint work as detectives compare dates, video, and victim reports tied to similar distraction thefts.
What Comes Next In Court And On The Street
Prosecutors in Nassau County will move forward on the six grand larceny counts now on the books. Other jurisdictions may review their open cases and decide whether to file their own charges. The federal immigration case will proceed on a separate track while local criminal cases advance. Suspects are presumed innocent unless proven guilty, but police say the public should keep watch for the same approach and call authorities if a stranger tries to close distance with a hug or gift.
Neighbors can help police by sharing camera footage from doorbells and businesses near any reported incident. Clerks at pawn shops and jewelers can flag unusual walk-ins with multiple pieces of similar style. Churches, senior centers, and civic groups can host quick safety talks so elders know the script and how to respond. Clear eyes and strong boundaries make communities harder to victimize and help honest people keep what they worked for.
Sources:
foxnews.com, dhs.gov, newjersey.news12.com
