FRISCO, Texas — In broad daylight, a string of thefts is unfolding in Frisco and around the state.
The targets are older South Asian immigrants, and the method of the thieves is shockingly effective: misdirection. The criminals are using elaborate distractions to steal gold jewelry off their victims' necks and wrists — right under their noses.
In the past few weeks, police have reported several similar incidents in Frisco, where thieves approach unsuspecting elderly South Asian individuals, distract them with a well-rehearsed act, and make off with their valuable jewelry. The crime is happening quickly, and the victims often don’t realize they’ve been robbed until it's too late.
"The chain was actually a gift from her daughter. It has some emotional value," said Subina Adhikari Bhattrai, whose mother-in-law was a victim.
Adhikari Bhattrai tells WFAA the thieves spoke to her mother-in-law in her native language, a key part of their deceptive approach.
"They came up to her and said, 'Deedee, can you help me? My mother is in the hospital. Please pray with me,'" Adhikari Bhattrai recalls. "Then, they held her hands. They were firm. They were really firm," she said.
Surveillance footage from one of the recent robberies paints a chilling picture of how the thieves operate. In a matter of seconds, the criminals approach an elderly couple, use distraction tactics, and swiftly take the gold jewelry from their necks and wrists without the couple noticing.
"They're in and out within a minute, maybe less," said Frisco Police Chief David Shilson.
The thieves' tactics are carefully orchestrated. They engage in a chaotic display, acting distressed and desperate, hoping to lower the victim’s guard. In South Asian culture, it's customary for younger people to touch the feet of elders as a sign of respect — a gesture that the thieves use to their advantage. While the elderly victims are distracted by the gesture, the thieves quickly remove the jewelry and sometimes replace it with fake jewelry.
"They are literally touching your feet. They are not letting you go," said Adhikari Bhattrai.
Misdirection is a key tactic in magic, and it's the same strategy these thieves are using to successfully pull off their heists. Professional magician Sam Sawyers explained how misdirection works in the world of sleight of hand — and how the thieves are applying it to crime. Sawyers said he wants to make it very clear that he has never used his skills as a magician to steal from anyone.
"It's mostly about misdirection," Sawyers explained. "They're watching this hand, but the other hand is the one pulling off the trick."
The thieves appear to be skilled in sleight-of-hand, expertly distracting their victims while they steal valuable items. This level of skill has left local police and victims alike stunned by how smoothly the thefts are executed.
"If you're doing pickpocketing, the best misdirection is acting vulnerable," said Sawyers.
"They're trying to create a distraction. They're trying to create a chaotic situation," said Shilson.
Frisco isn't the only city where this type of theft has occurred. There are reported cases in Fort Bend County. Police are investigating a potential link between these incidents and a larger, organized group of thieves. In recent years, similar robberies have taken place in other parts of the country, and authorities believe the thieves may be part of an international criminal ring, possibly involving Romanian citizens.
"[If you're out walking] the bigger the group, the better. Our suspects, they don't want confrontation," said Shilson of the Frisco Police Department.
Over the last month, Frisco has seen five reported cases, and more than 20 incidents over three years. The police are working closely with the FBI to track down the criminals, who appear to be part of a well-coordinated and highly effective operation.
"How can you say that you can trust people?" Adhikari Bhattrai asked.
As the investigation continues, the Frisco Police Department and the FBI are urging anyone with information about these crimes to come forward. Shilson urges people to be mindful of their surroundings, always keep a cell phone in hand, report suspicious activity, and, if you can, take walks in a larger group.