Detectives from the Fairfax County Police Department announced on Apr. 1 that they have identified a woman connected to several jewelry thefts carried out through sleight of hand across multiple locations in the county.
The incidents involve suspects approaching victims in public spaces, distracting them with offers of jewelry or requests for directions, and then swapping or stealing their real jewelry. Police say these tactics are designed to lower the victim’s guard and allow the thieves to quickly remove valuable items without immediate detection.
According to police, one incident occurred on March 20 at Hechinger Drive in Springfield, where a woman lured a victim towards an SUV and swapped her necklace during a conversation about jewelry. Similar thefts were reported later that day in Chantilly, Herndon, and Franconia. In each case, suspects approached victims either by asking for directions or engaging them with offers of fake jewelry before taking their real valuables.
Through surveillance footage and license plate reader data, detectives identified one vehicle involved as a white 2026 Toyota Highlander registered out of state. A nationwide bulletin was issued for this vehicle. The following day, Delaware State Police stopped the Highlander as it entered a shopping center in New Castle and detained Cristina Milhaela Paun, 21, of Baltimore. Detectives confirmed Paun’s involvement in two Fairfax County thefts and obtained warrants for felony pickpocketing and robbery. She is currently wanted by authorities.
Police continue to investigate these incidents and urge anyone with information about Paun’s whereabouts or similar crimes to contact the Reston Police Station or submit tips anonymously through Crime Solvers.
The department also shared practical safety tips: keep your distance from strangers offering jewelry; do not accept or try on items from unknown individuals; stay alert if someone is overly friendly or persistent; secure your valuables; trust your instincts; and report suspicious activity immediately.
Officials encourage residents to register their security cameras with Connect Fairfax County to aid investigations.
