Caution issued regarding the dangerous "golden chain scam" by law enforcement
Gold Chain Trick: Police Warn Elderly Women in Essen and Mülheim an der Ruhr
In a concerning development, the police in Essen and Mülheim an der Ruhr have issued a warning about a brazen scheme targeting elderly women for gold jewelry thefts. The method used in these incidents is known as the "gold chain trick".
On August 1st, a 67-year-old woman in Mülheim an der Ruhr fell victim to this trick while she was in her parked car on Ulmenallee. Two unknown women, driving a Mercedes-Benz, posing as needing directions, approached her and engaged her in conversation. After a brief interaction, they stole her gold necklace and drove off in the direction of Kirchstraße.
Another incident occurred on August 4th in Essen, when an 89-year-old woman was giving directions to a car on Holsterhauser Straße. An unknown woman, also posing as needing directions, hugged the elderly woman and stole her gold chain before driving off towards the city center.
The police are urging elderly women to be vigilant and to keep their valuables hidden when out in public to avoid becoming victims of these thefts. They advise seniors to be skeptical if strangers on the street try to engage them in conversation and hug them. If possible, seniors are encouraged to note down the license plate number of the suspect's vehicle.
The police also advise seniors to keep their distance and not let the tricksters pressure them. If the tricksters don't give up, they advise seniors to attract attention by asking others for help and call the police. They also advise firmly refusing to accept any supposed gifts.
In these incidents, the suspects used a pretext to make physical contact with the victims and then stole their valuable gold chains. The victims of these incidents were two elderly women, aged 75 and 89.
The police in both cities are investigating these incidents and are appealing for any witnesses to come forward with information. They remind the public that if no theft has occurred or the loss of jewelry is noticed later, seniors should inform the police immediately.
The police are working to identify and apprehend the suspects involved in these incidents. Until then, they urge seniors to remain vigilant and to take precautions to protect their valuables.
