Trio Arrested in Catonsville Necklace Theft Scheme

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Baltimore County police have arrested three people - Mihail Alexandru, Mihaela Alexandru, and Versalona Nicu - in connection with a jewelry theft scheme targeting pedestrians and shoppers in Catonsville. The suspects allegedly used a distraction technique to slip necklaces and other jewelry off victims without their knowledge. Police recovered over 150 pieces of jewelry and more than $14,000 in stolen property during the investigation.

Why it matters

The arrests come amid a recent spike in break-ins and robberies along Catonsville's business corridors, raising concerns among residents and shop owners about public safety in the area. The jewelry theft scheme highlights the need for increased vigilance and coordination between law enforcement and the local community to combat property crimes.

The details

According to police, the trio would sit in a vehicle, strike up friendly conversations with pedestrians and shoppers, and then slip necklaces and other jewelry off the victims when they leaned in toward the car. Incidents were reported on January 6 in the 5500 block of Baltimore National Pike, as well as several thefts in the 6500 and 6600 blocks of the same roadway, and an April 9 robbery on the 900 block of Frederick Road.

• On January 6, incidents were reported in the 5500 block of Baltimore National Pike.
• Several thefts were reported in the 6500 and 6600 blocks of Baltimore National Pike.
• An April 9 robbery was reported on the 900 block of Frederick Road.

What’s next

Prosecutors will sort through the evidence and decide what formal charges to pursue as the cases move forward. Detectives are also asking anyone who may have interacted with the suspects or who has video of suspicious activity to call 410-887-4636.