San Jose police arrest three suspects in elderly jewelry theft ring

San Jose police have arrested three individuals suspected of participating in a series of jewelry thefts and strong-arm robberies targeting elderly victims across the Bay Area. The suspects, identified as Ruxandra Constantin, 30; Caldararu Constantin, 36; and Constantin Constantin, 34, were apprehended following an investigation that utilized automated license plate readers to track their vehicle.

The investigation began after an elderly woman was robbed of her ring and gold chain on Almaden Expressway. The suspects' vehicle was later spotted in Concord, where another robbery had been reported, before returning to San Jose. During the arrest, another elderly woman reported being robbed by the group, and officers recovered a bag containing gold jewelry in Ruxandra Constantin’s possession.

Detectives believe the trio may also be linked to a grand theft occurring on August 16. The suspects have been booked into the Santa Clara County Jail on suspicion of robbery. Authorities noted that chain-snatching incidents targeting the elderly are an increasing concern in the region, often involving distraction techniques or sudden physical force.