Two individuals were arrested and charged, following an investigation into a series of jewelry thefts targeting older adult victims on July 1, 2026.
- On July 1, 2026, around 9:30 a.m., a woman in her 60s, was outside her residence in the 100 block of Berrydale Avenue when an unknown man and woman arrived in a dark-coloured SUV.
It was reported to police that the female approached the victim, saying they were new to the neighbourhood and wanted to "bless" their neighbours (the victims). From inside the vehicle, the suspect placed a chain on the victim and hugged her before leaving. The victim later discovered her genuine gold necklace that she had been wearing was gone and in its place was an imitation gold necklace.
- Around 12:00 p.m., a woman reported to police that she was outside an assisted living complex on Sophia Street in Selkirk, Manitoba when she was approached by an unknown female. The female suspect placed jewelry on her without consent. The victim later discovered her genuine gold necklace that she had been wearing was gone and in its place was imitation jewelery.
- Around 1:30 p.m., a woman in her 80s, was in the parking lot of a retail store in the 1600 block of Kenaston Boulevard when she was approached by an unknown female who attempted to place some jewelry on her. A man was also observed waiting nearby in a Chevrolet Equinox bearing Ontario licence plate DHEX 793.
The victim believed she was being targeted and was able to leave without incident.
All of these incidents were reported to police, and the WPS Major Crimes Unit took over the investigations as they were believed to involve the same suspects. With the assistance of General Patrol officers, the suspect vehicle was located at a residence in the 200 block of Ken Oblik Drive.
A search warrant was executed at the residence, resulting in the seizure of cash, imitation jewelry and authentic jewelry; some of which was returned to the original owners. Two adults were taken into custody.
Rodica MICLESCU (26) and Constantin MICLESCU (27), of Scarborough, Ontario have been charged with:
- Robbery x3
- Conspiracy to Commit Fraud x3
- Possession of Proceeds of Crime Under $5,000 x1
- Possession of Property Obtained by Crime Over $5,000 x1
They were both detained in custody.
This investigation is continuing.
Anyone who wishes to speak to police is asked to contact the Major Crimes Unit at 204-986-6219 or anonymously at Crime Stoppers 204-786-TIPS or winnipegcrimestoppers.org.
Police remind the public to exercise caution when approached by strangers offering jewelry or gifts, especially while attempting to make physical contact.