Rochester Police: Watch Out For Necklace Snatchers

Rochester, MN (KROC AM News) - Rochester police investigators have been assigned to an unusual case - necklace snatching.

Three incidents have been reported so far.

The latest happened around 6:30 PM Tuesday. A 76-year-old woman told police she was sitting in a chair outside her apartment at 2009 17th St SE. She said a woman described as short and heavyset approached and gave a “traditional Muslim greeting.”

The woman made some comments about offering to sell some jewelry. She then yanked a necklace from the older woman’s neck and ran off. She was seen getting into a white SUV that drove away.

The victim said the gold necklace was worth $800.

Police Capt. Casey Moilanen says the two earlier incidents involved a suspect who had a different physical description. But he suspects a group may be involved in all three incidents. He says it was the same M.O. in each incident and they involved elderly female victims.

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