Image Credit: Frisco PD
Frisco, Texas — A wave of jewelry thefts has once again unsettled the Frisco community, with local authorities issuing warnings as reports emerge of thieves targeting South Asian women. The incidents echo similar thefts from late 2022 and early 2023, where assailants employed deceptive techniques to distract victims and steal valuable jewelry. Police officials are urging residents to remain vigilant as the investigation unfolds.
According to the Frisco Police Department, several incidents have been reported this month involving a male driver and a female passenger, often in a dark-colored SUV. “It’s too early in our investigations to confirm if the same group is responsible,” said Officer Grant Cottingham, spokesperson for the Frisco Police Department, “but the modus operandi appears remarkably similar to past cases.” Cottingham emphasized the need for public awareness, noting that “residents should be alert and cautious when approached by strangers, especially in quieter, residential areas.”
A Disturbing Pattern
Authorities report that the suspects tend to target women in their 50s and 60s wearing visible jewelry. In particular, items of cultural and religious significance, such as the Hindu mangalsutra necklace, have been a focus for the thieves.
According to police, the suspects have used various pretexts to engage their targets, such as asking for directions or claiming a medical emergency involving a “pregnant” passenger. In each case, the suspects, described as a dark-skinned male driver and a heavy-set or pregnant white female passenger, distract the victim by offering fake jewelry or even embracing them, during which they stealthily remove the victim’s own jewelry.
A victim who preferred to remain anonymous described a recent encounter in a residential area. “They seemed so sincere, asking for help,” she recounted.
“I didn’t realize my necklace was gone until they were already driving away.” Police statistics indicate that such thefts have predominantly targeted South Asian women, with over 80% of reported cases involving individuals of this demographic.
Statistics Show a Rise in Incidents
In Frisco alone, reports of jewelry thefts have risen by nearly 15% compared to the same period last year, a statistic that has raised concerns among city officials and community members alike. A local police report noted that, between November 2022 and April 2023, over a dozen incidents followed a similar pattern.
The current uptick, coupled with the repeated tactics used, suggests that thieves may be exploiting cultural jewelry as a target.
“While we are still investigating links between these cases, we are treating each one as a priority,” said Cottingham, stressing the department’s commitment to cracking down on these crimes.
The Frisco Police Department has set up a dedicated hotline for tips and encouraged residents to use the Frisco PD app for anonymous submissions.
"The MO does appear to be similar, which is the reason for us wanting to get the word out,” said Officer Grant Cottingham, emphasizing the importance of public awareness.
Steps for Safety and Prevention
With the thefts stirring concerns across the community, local authorities have provided several recommendations.
In a public safety bulletin, the Frisco Police Department advised residents to keep valuable jewelry hidden when possible, especially when alone in public spaces.
“The best defense is awareness,” Cottingham noted. “Avoid unnecessary displays of valuables, and be cautious with strangers asking for assistance.”
Residents who notice unusual activity are encouraged to contact the Frisco Police Department at 972-292-6010. Anonymous tips can also be submitted by texting “FRISCOPD” to tip411. In cases of immediate threat, residents are urged to dial 911 without hesitation.
This recent spate of thefts highlights the need for heightened community vigilance, particularly among Frisco’s South Asian community.
As the investigation proceeds, police say their focus remains on linking current incidents with past patterns to uncover any larger networks behind these targeted thefts.