Two Romanian nationals have been arrested after Nassau County police said they stole a necklace worth about $2,000 from a 73-year-old woman in Valley Stream and were linked to similar incidents in Franklin Square and East Meadow.
Mirabela Lacatusu, 26, and Rudi Lacatusu, 28, both of Scarborough, Ontario, were arrested following an investigation by the Nassau County Police Department’s Major Case Squad.
Police said the Valley Stream incident occurred at about 2:40 p.m. Monday, Oct. 5.
The 73-year-old victim was standing outside her home when a gold Mitsubishi occupied by a man and woman stopped nearby, according to detectives.
Police said the female passenger asked the woman for directions to BJ’s Wholesale Club. After the victim gave her directions, the passenger got out of the vehicle and asked to hug her.
During the encounter, police said the woman placed two gold-colored necklaces around the victim’s neck.
After the pair left, the victim discovered that her own gold necklace, valued at approximately $2,000, was missing.
Detectives said their investigation led to the arrests of Mirabela Lacatusu and Rudi Lacatusu. Police also determined that the pair were responsible for similar incidents in Franklin Square and East Meadow.
Each defendant was charged with three counts of fourth-degree grand larceny. They were issued appearance tickets and are scheduled to appear at First District Court in Hempstead on Oct. 20.
Police are asking anyone who believes they may have been the victim of a similar incident to contact Nassau County Crime Stoppers at 1-800-244-TIPS.
Photo: NCPD
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