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Santa Clara Robber Targets People Of Indian Descent, Ripping Gold Chains Off Their Necks

SANTA CLARA (CBS SF) -- Santa Clara police were investigating a series of street robberies this month apparently targeting people of Indian descent, police said Tuesday.

The thief selects victims of Indian descent who have visible gold chains around their necks. The suspect either snatches the necklace and flees or brandishes a black handgun and demands the jewelry and a wallet, according to police.

The recent robberies have occurred near Bing Drive at Homestead Road, El Camino Real at Lawrence Expressway and Monroe Street at Los Padres Boulevard, police said.

The suspect in each robbery is described as a black man between 19 and 24 years old who is about 5 feet 9 inches to 6 feet tall, police said.

The Police Department is advising people to be cautious while wearing jewelry, especially gold necklaces, to be aware of their surroundings and go to a safe place if they feel unsafe.

Police said people should not fight back against a robber to avoid personal injury and should report any suspicious behavior to police in the area of the recent robberies.

© Copyright 2014 by CBS San Francisco and Bay City News Service. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

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