Three people were arrested for allegedly luring victims by asking for directions or offering blessings, then yanking jewelry off them and fleeing in Catonsville, police said.

The three are accused of stealing over 150 pieces of jewelry worth more than $14,000 in robberies from January to April, mostly along Baltimore National Pike, according to the Baltimore County Police Department.

The suspects encouraged their victims to get close to them or lean inside their car by “asking for directions or offering them a blessing,” the news release said. The suspects would then remove the victim’s necklace and flee, police said.

The suspects are 20-year-old Mihail Alexandru, 26-year-old Versalona Nicu and 23-year-old Mihaela Alexandru, all of whom are Baltimore residents, according to court documents. They were taken into custody on April 9 but have been released from detention while they await trial.

One of the victims was approached in the business district of Catonsville on Frederick Road. At least five victims were robbed on different days between the 6500 and 6600 blocks of Baltimore National Pike. There is a large strip mall on those blocks that includes retailers, a grocery store and restaurants.

All three were charged last week with assault, robbery and theft, according to Maryland’s court records. The investigation is ongoing.