Jena, 04.05.2026. On Saturday afternoon, a 91-year-old pedestrian in Jena-Lobeda became the victim of a brazen trick theft. The perpetrator used a feigned gesture of gratitude to steal a valuable gold necklace unnoticed.
- Time of incident: Saturday, 02.05.2026, approx. 16:30
- Location: Karl-Marx-Straße, Jena-Lobeda (Show on map)
- Loot: Gold necklace (Value: approx. 800 Euro)
- Witness information: 03641 810 or via email to id.lpi.jena@polizei.jena.de
How the theft occurred
The 91-year-old victim was walking in Karl-Marx-Straße when a car stopped next to her. A female person got out of the vehicle and asked the senior for directions to the Universitätsklinikum. After the woman provided the information, the decisive act occurred: the unknown woman thanked her exuberantly and placed a necklace she had brought with her around the 91-year-old’s neck as an alleged gesture of thanks.
The perpetrator professionally exploited this moment of physical proximity and distraction. In one fluid motion, she unnoticedly stole the real gold necklace that the senior was already wearing. The value of the stolen piece of jewelry is estimated at around 800 Euro. The perpetrator then got back into the car. The Jena police have launched an investigation and are asking anyone who observed the incident or can provide information about the stopping vehicle to contact them immediately.
Background: Trick Fraud and Prevention
Jena-Lobeda is a highly frequented point of contact for patients and visitors from all over Thuringia due to the Universitätsklinikum. Asking for directions there initially seems completely unsuspicious in everyday life.
However, the police repeatedly warn against the so-called „necklace scam“. Perpetrators specifically seek close contact and use moments of surprise, feigned gratitude, or helplessness to overcome the natural distance to their victims – often elderly people. Police prevention tips:
- Always maintain physical distance from strangers.
- Do not engage in unsolicited touching or hugging.
- If possible, wear valuable jewelry concealed under clothing.
- In case of distress, draw attention to yourself loudly and actively ask passers-by for help.
Source:
Trickdiebstahl
Transparency note: This article was created automatically, editorially reviewed, and expanded with AI support.