‘tis the season for thievin’
Don’t get caught off guard this shopping season by a distraction thief, pick pocket, or other trickery.
On October 27, 2015, at approximately 5 p.m., just such a crime occurred within Newport Beach. The victim was walking to her vehicle, carrying her purse and several shopping bags. As she started to get into her vehicle after setting her purse on the driver’s seat, a male subject approached her from the rear driver’s side of the vehicle. The male subjects said, “Look, look!” and pointed toward the ground, were a large number of dollar bills were scattered. The subject began to collect the money and attempted to hand it to the victim, who told the subject that the money was not hers. The subject did not respond to the victim, but instead, continued to pick up the money while motioning for the victim to come toward the rear of her vehicle.
As the victim followed the subject to the back of her vehicle, leaving her front driver’s side door open, she saw more money on the ground. The victim again told the subject that the money was not hers. All of a sudden, the subject threw the money he was holding to the ground and fled. At that same moment, the victim saw a second male subject runaway from her open driver’s door. She quickly lost sight of the two as they fled through the parking lot. Immediately the victim knew something was wrong and realized her purse had been stolen from the seat of her car.
Please remember when you are out shopping during the busy holiday months to always be aware of your surroundings. If a situation seems suspicious go to a local business or a secure location and notify police. If your arms are full of shopping bags and packages and you do not feel comfortable walking to your vehicle, ask the store or security for assistance.
The Newport Beach Police Department would also like to encourage you to be watchful of your valuables while you shop. Avoid setting your purse or cell phone down while shopping. When you take your wallet out of your purse or pocket, make sure you put it away as soon as the transaction is completed. Women should always keep their purses closed and men should keep their wallet in a front pocket. Purses are easy targets, so don’t leave them hanging on a chair while you are out dining and never leave them unattended as you load your vehicle.
See something suspicious? Call the Newport Beach Police Department’s nonemergency line: (949) 644-3717.
