Stockton Police Warn Of 77 Gold Chain Robberies Since March
STOCKTON (CBS13) - The Stockton Police Department is warning residents not to show their jewelry when outdoors after dozens of reported gold chain robberies in recent months.
There have been 77 gold-chain robberies since March and victims have ranged in ages from 5 to 78, they have been men and women, and the crimes have occurred at all hours of the day, according to police.
Police arrested two men on Sunday after reports of three separate gold necklace thefts in a one-hour time span, from 4-5 p.m. in south Stockton.
Police spotted the suspect vehicle, which turned out to be stolen, pulling into a parking lot in the 3400 block of S. Manthey Road. The suspects were arrested without incident.
Officers say Rayshawn Fryman, 23, and Jerrel Williams, 22, both of Stockton, were responsible for two of the three robberies Sunday.
They were charged with robbery, auto theft and possession of stolen property.
Stockton Police say there are a few things residents can do to prevent or help in the case of a robbery: always be aware of your surroundings and stay alert, avoid showing jewelry when outdoors, travel with someone or in a group, and if you become a victim, call 911 immediately.
Erata Mendoza isn't willing to take the chance. You won't find an ounce of gold on her.
"Day or night, do not wear your jewelry," she said. "I just don't. I haven't worn it in the past month."
Her neck, wrists and even wedding ring finger are all bare.
"It's very sentimental," she said of her ring. "I love it, custom. I still don't wear it. It's not worth it to take the chance of being robbed."
Police also say it's also a good idea to take pictures of your jewelry in the event you need to file a police report.
The department is asking anyone with information on any of the gold-chain robberies to call its Robbery Investigations Unit at (209) 937-8323.
