Police are searching for two suspects in “theft by deception” in the San Fernando Valley

LOS ANGELES (KABC) — Police are asking residents of the San Fernando Valley to be on the lookout for two suspects behind a series of “thefts by deception.”

According to the Los Angeles Police Department, detectives have seen an increase in this type of crime in the area.

The two suspects — described only as a man and a woman between the ages of 30 and 50 — primarily targeted victims in parking lots as they walked to and from their vehicles, according to police.

The two also travel in SUVs or minivans. Police said the suspects will remain in their vehicles and ask the victims for directions or strike up an apparently friendly conversation.

They say comments like “Today is a holy day and I need to…” or “Today is my birthday and I want to share…”

Police said the suspects will then reach out through the open window and hug or shake the victim’s hand.

“During this encounter, the suspect places fake gold jewelry and removes the victim’s diamond necklaces, rings and luxury watches without the victim immediately noticing,” police said.

These crimes have occurred throughout the city of Los Angeles and adjacent areas.

Anyone who has been a victim or knows anything about the couple is urged to contact the LAPD’s Van Nuys Robbery Division.