Trick-and-snatch: Duo cons Newark woman, swipes $4K in cash and jewels

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NEWARK, N.J. — Authorities are asking for the public’s assistance in identifying two suspects connected to a theft that occurred on Monday morning in the city’s Central Ward. The suspects, a man and a woman, allegedly stole $4,000 worth of cash and jewelry from a woman they followed home after asking her for directions.

According to Newark Public Safety Director Emanuel Miranda, the incident began around 11:30 a.m. at a bus stop on the 100 block of Ferry Street. The suspects, who exited a dark-colored Nissan Murano, approached the victim under the pretense of seeking directions and assistance finding an apartment. They then accompanied her on an NJ Transit bus to her home in the Central Ward.

Once inside her apartment, the male suspect gave the victim a pink bag to store her cash and jewelry. Before leaving, he returned to the apartment, claiming to have forgotten a personal item. After the suspects departed, the victim discovered that the pink bag containing approximately $2,000 in cash and $2,000 worth of jewelry was missing.

Police described the male suspect as Hispanic, wearing a white hat, a light-blue and silver Nike jacket, blue jeans, a blue surgical mask, and brown sneakers. He carried a white and black backpack. The female suspect was also described as Hispanic, dressed in a black Puma sweat suit and black hat, wearing a black surgical mask, and carrying a brown purse.

Detectives are investigating the incident and urge anyone with information about the suspects to contact the Newark Police Division.