Sunnyvale police are urging women not to wear jewelry when out walking alone. The warning comes after 10 women had necklaces snatched from their necks in the past few months.
Investigators said it appears the suspect is targeting East Indian women.
One of the victims, Gopi Luitel, said a man came up from behind her, put his hand over her mouth and snatched her gold necklace.
The suspect is described as a black male, between the ages of 30 and 40, and standing 6 feet tall.
Luitel is not the only victim. Police say at least three similar strong-arm robberies were reported last week in the quiet neighborhood near Ponderosa Park.
“All of the victims were East Indian females who were walking alone or with children,” Sunnyvale Police Captain Dave Pitts said.
Investigators also say weapons may have been involved in some of the robberies. In one case, Pitts said, the victim reported seeing a gun. In another, the victim reported seeing a knife.
Traditionally, Indian women wear gold jewelry often given to them on their wedding day. But these women say they no longer plan to wear it when they're out walking.
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"I’m not going to wear that jewelry…because of the safety of myself and for my kids,” Sunnyvale resident Vandana Monga said.
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