Be Aware: Suspects Are Taking Wallets and Purses from Unaware Shoppers
The Torrance Police Department and other agencies in Southern California have experienced purse and wallet thefts from victims shopping at grocery stores. Women who place their purses in the child seat of their shopping carts are being targeted.
The suspects in these cases are following women in the stores, posing as shoppers, and waiting for the victims to turn away from their carts, creating the opportunity for the suspects to take the purses or the wallets from the opened purses. In some instances, the suspects will hold a bag or other item over the victims’ purses to shield their thefts.
In other cases the suspects will work in pairs. One suspect will distract the shopper, while the other suspect takes the purse or removes the wallet from the purse.
Once the wallet is taken by one suspect, a second suspect who matches the victim’s general description will impersonate the victim and use her stolen credit cards to withdraw large cash advances and make high dollar purchases at retail stores.
The Torrance Police Department suggests that women carry their purses over their shoulders and make sure that the purses are zipped and secured. Women should not put their purses in the child seat of a cart while shopping. If you see anyone suspicious at the grocery store please call the Torrance Police Department at 310-328-3456.
“See Something, Say Something”
Emergency 9-1-1
Non-Emergency: 310-328-3456
Provided By:
Torrance Police Department –
Community Affairs Division
310-618-6391 or 310-618-6392
www.YouTube.com/TPDCommAffairs
Address/Location
Torrance Police Department
3300 Civic Center Dr
Torrance, CA 90503
Contact
Emergency: 9-1-1
Non-emergencies: 310-328-3456