Police said thieves are using a sleight of hand trick and fakes to steal jewelry without their victims noticing.

LOS ANGELES — With a series of organized distraction thefts and robberies recently plaguing residents across Los Angeles, primarily targeting elderly Hispanic men and women, police Tuesday urged residents to be vigilant and offered safety tips.

A spike in distraction-style jewelry thefts targeting elderly victims in Los Angeles prompted police to hold a news conference Tuesday to warn the public about the spike in thefts. There