The Long Beach Police Department is warning the public of a trend of strong-arm street robberies that have been occurring in Long Beach and surrounding cities that sometimes involve the victims being assaulted during the crime.
In the past few months, numerous robberies have occurred citywide involving victims who are robbed of their gold or silver necklaces while they are walking. Most of the victims are female, and are victimized while carrying laundry, grocery bags, or children.
The robberies have all been crimes of opportunity where the suspect spots a potential victim who is distracted or in a position of disadvantage, approaches the victim, snatches his or her necklace, and then flees. Some of the recent victims were assaulted prior to the robbery, but none suffered serious injuries.
Most of these types of robberies occurred mid-day by suspects who sometimes approached the victims from behind, and fled on foot or via a bicycle. Most suspects involved in these robberies are males, ranging in age from teens to mid- twenties.
The community is encouraged to practice the following safety tips to reduce the chances that one will be targeted for this crime:
• If wearing necklaces during everyday activities, keep them concealed under clothing as opposed to in plain view, especially those with medallions, charms, or nameplates
• Be aware and alert of surroundings and who is around, and try to walk with other people whenever possible
• If you feel you are being followed or targeted, try to move to a well-populated area
• If you are the victim of a robbery, call 9-1-1 immediately and try to give a good description of the suspect
If you have been the victim of a robbery or an attempted robbery and have not yet reported it, call (562) 435-6711. If you have any information regarding these crimes, call the Long Beach Police Department Robbery Detail at (562) 570-7464.Â
