FRISCO, Texas — A troubling series of daylight jewelry thefts has emerged in Frisco and other parts of Texas, with elderly South Asian immigrants as the primary victims. The thieves employ sophisticated misdirection tactics, deceiving their targets and making off with valuable gold jewelry from their necks and wrists in seconds.

The Thefts: Quick and Calculated

Recent reports highlight several incidents where thieves approached unsuspecting elderly individuals, using emotionally charged and well-rehearsed distractions to carry out their crimes. Often, victims don’t realize they’ve been robbed until long after the encounter.

Subina Adhikari Bhattrai shared her family’s experience, recounting how her mother-in-law fell victim to one such theft. "The chain was a gift from her daughter. It holds deep emotional value," Bhattrai explained. The thieves spoke in the victim's native language, a critical element of their deception.

Deceptive Tactics

In one case, the criminals approached Bhattrai’s mother-in-law, pleading for help. "They said, 'Deedee, can you help me? My mother is in the hospital. Please pray with me,'" Bhattrai recounted. As they spoke, they firmly held her hands and distracted her, eventually stealing her jewelry.

Surveillance footage reveals the thieves’ strategy: they engage with their victims, create a chaotic or emotional situation, and execute the theft in under a minute. Sometimes, the criminals even replace the stolen jewelry with fake pieces to delay the victim's realization.

A Cultural Vulnerability

The thieves exploit cultural customs to lower their victims’ defenses. For instance, in South Asian tradition, younger individuals may touch the feet of elders as a sign of respect. The thieves mimic this gesture, further distracting their targets while stealing their valuables.

"They are literally touching your feet. They won't let you go," said Bhattrai, emphasizing the emotional manipulation involved.

Misdirection at Play

According to professional magician Sam Sawyers, the thieves’ methods resemble the principles of sleight of hand. "It's all about misdirection," Sawyers explained. "They create a chaotic situation to divert attention while they steal."

Frisco Police Chief David Shilson noted that the thieves rely on creating vulnerability to distract their victims. "They're trying to make you focus on their distress while they execute the theft," he said.

An Organized Crime Network?

Authorities suspect these thefts may be part of a larger, organized network, potentially linked to international criminal groups. In recent years, similar incidents have been reported in other parts of the U.S., with some investigations pointing to Romanian nationals.

Frisco alone has seen five reported cases in the past month and over 20 incidents in three years. The Frisco Police Department is collaborating with the FBI to identify and apprehend the suspects.

Staying Safe

Police advise community members to take precautions:

• Walk in groups whenever possible, as thieves typically avoid confrontation.
• Stay alert to your surroundings and carry a cell phone.
• Report any suspicious activity immediately.

"The bigger the group, the safer you are," said Chief Shilson.

As investigations continue, law enforcement encourages anyone with information about these thefts to come forward. Meanwhile, victims like Bhattrai and her family are left grappling with a loss that goes beyond monetary value.

"How can you trust people anymore?" Bhattrai questioned, voicing a sentiment shared by many in the community.

The Frisco Police Department remains committed to addressing these crimes and ensuring the safety of its residents.