Police are searching for two suspects in theft by deception in the San Fernando Valley.

LOS ANGELES (KABC) — Police are urging San Fernando Valley residents to keep an eye out for two suspects in a series of “thefts by deception.”

According to the Los Angeles Police Department, detectives are seeing an increase in this type of crime in the area.

The two suspects, described as a man and woman between the ages of 30 and 50, primarily attack victims in parking lots as they walk to and from their cars, police said.

They also travel in SUVs or minivans. Police said the suspects will remain in their cars and ask victims for directions or initiate a seemingly friendly conversation.

They make statements like “Today is a holy day and I need to…” or “Today is my birthday and I want to share…”

Police said the suspects will then reach through the open window and hug or shake the victim’s hand.

“During this encounter, the suspect places counterfeit gold jewelry and removes the victim’s diamond necklaces, rings and expensive watches without the victim immediately noticing,” police said.

These crimes occurred throughout Los Angeles and surrounding areas.

Anyone who was a victim or knows anything about the couple is urged to contact the LAPD’s Van Nuys Robbery Squad.