Local law enforcement is searching for a 21-year-old Baltimore woman accused of swiping jewelry from multiple victims through sleight of hand.
Cristina Milhaela Paun has been connected to two different incidents where a woman’s necklace was stolen — both on March 20, according to the Fairfax County Police Department.
Around 1:30 p.m. that day, Paun is believed to have been a passenger in a vehicle that approached a woman in the Backlick Plaza parking lot in Springfield. She allegedly “lured” the victim to the vehicle and before using misdirection to take the woman’s necklace.
“[Paun] hugged the victim and placed a necklace around her neck, taking the victim’s actual necklace in the process,” the FCPD said. “The driver pulled away at which time the victim realized the theft.”
Paun was also positively identified in a Herndon incident later that afternoon, where a woman’s necklace was taken in a similar interaction in the 12900 block of Wood Crescent Circle, police said.
Two other similar incidents in the 13900 block of Metrotech Drive in Chantilly and the 6800 block of Commerce Street in Franconia were also reported that day, though Paun has not been formally identified as being involved in those cases.
More from the FCPD on the Franconia incident:
A female passenger who was described as 50-years-old with red hair and gold teeth attempted to converse and offer her jewelry. The woman placed a necklace around her neck that the victim immediately recognized as costume jewelry. The rear passenger, described as a 25-year-old female with a headscarf began speaking to the victim as the front passenger held her hand. The vehicle quickly left the area at which point the victim realized her necklace and bracelets had been replaced with costume jewelry.
Paun was detained by state troopers in Delaware on March 21 after a white Toyota Highlander connected to the robberies was spotted at a shopping center in New Castle, but she is currently at large. She faces charges outside of Fairfax County for felony pickpocketing and robbery.
Anybody with information regarding Paun’s whereabouts or the reported incidents is encouraged to contact the Reston Police Station at 703-478-0904.
FCPD is also highlighting warning signs to potential avoid such interactions before they take place.
- Keep your distance. If someone approaches you trying to sell jewelry, especially in a parking lot or on the street, maintain space and avoid close physical contact.
- Do not accept or try on items. Pickpockets often use this tactic to distract you and may remove your real jewelry while placing fake items on you.
- Stay alert to distractions. Be cautious if the person is overly friendly, persistent, or trying to rush the interaction. These are common tactics used to lower your guard.
- Secure your valuables. Keep jewelry, wallets, and phones out of reach and avoid displaying expensive items in public.
- Trust your instincts and report it. If something feels off, leave the area immediately and report suspicious activity to local law enforcement, providing descriptions if possible.
