On Wednesday 11/15/23 at 2 p.m. our department was notified of a scam in which a senior citizen’s debit card was stolen. The victim reported to police that they had just left the Stop and Shop store on White Plains Rd. and after leaving they were approached by unknown individuals in the parking lot. The individuals claimed there was a mix up at check out and they owed the victim money. They quickly pretended to give the victim money, while stealing the victim’s ATM card from their wallet. An investigation revealed that the suspects had arrived at the store and had not purchased any items. Working in concert, two females and a male suspect waited in line and watched the victim enter their debit card pin at check out. The suspects exited the store, followed and approached the victim and subsequently stole their debit card. The suspects then fled the area. The suspect’s vehicle was identified, stopped and found inside the vehicle were stolen cards from previous victims.
Arrested were Laura Bengoi, Loredana Iftima and Robert Turcanu all with a last verifiable address in Romania. The defendants were charged with Grand Larceny 4th degree, Criminal Possession of Stolen Property 4th degree and were released on their own recognizance. We would like to recognize the work of our patrol and detective divisions as well as the Pelham Manor Police Department which lead to the quick apprehension of the suspects.
