Gold chain thief goes behind gates | Crime

STOCKTON, CA - Seventy-four-year-old Leonardo Suguiean wasn't hurt during the robbery so he didn't seem too fazed at what happened to him Sunday, just after getting home from church.

"He asked me if I have a phone, then grabbed me [the chain] and ran," said Suguiean.

He'd just returned home with his wife when his gold chain was stolen.  Even though Suguiean lives behind gates in Stockton's Weston Ranch, that didn't stop the thief from gaining entry and taking advantage of the opportunity.

Suguiean wasn't aware of Stockton's recent and sometimes deadly history with gold chains being stolen from people.  He said the stolen chain was purchased years ago on the Philippines and was worth about $200.

Despite the Sunday crime, Stockton police Officer Joe Silva said the problem isn't as serious as it was.

"Just from the dailies [reports], I can see the drop," said Silva.

Silva said it's likely the department's attempts to educate the public on the dangers of wearing gold chains is a reason for the decrease in that crime.

By tdaly@news10.net