BELLINGHAM, WA (MyBellinghamNow.com) – Bellingham Police are warning the public about a string of jewelry thieves targeting senior citizens in western Washington.

BPD says an elderly woman was walking alone in Bellingham’s Edgemoor neighborhood on Thursday, June 20, when she was approached by a couple who got out of a white sports utility vehicle. The couple put costume jewelry on the woman and when they took it off, they also robbed the woman of her own jewelry before quickly leaving.

The encounter is similar to a string of three other incidents reported in Bellevue over the past two weeks.

Bellevue Police say the incidents all involved a young woman and a young man approaching victims for assistance. After the victim gave them help, the woman would express her gratitude by offering them jewelry and a hug or handshake, before using the gesture to swipe expensive jewelry off the victim.

No serious injuries were reported in any of the incidents.

Anyone who has had a similar experience or who may have any information about it is asked to contact Bellingham Police.