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Purse, wallet snatchers strike shoppers in local stores
Warrenton police are once again urging citizens to safeguard their property while shopping in local stores.
Sgt. George W. Southard Jr. said there have been an increasing number of cases in which purses or wallets are stolen. The items are taken from shopping carts when the victims are not paying attention.
“A recent surveillance video showed the suspect remove a purse from the shopping cart when the victim was beside the cart looking at items on the shelves,” Southard said. “It takes only a few seconds for the suspect to steal the purse and walk away.”
One of the most recent cases occurred at approximately 12:50 p.m. March 9. An unidentified white woman stole a purse from a shopping cart at the Wal-Mart in Warrenton. The suspect reportedly attempted to obtain cash with the stolen credit card from the automated teller machine at the BB&T Bank in Remington at 4:25 p.m the same day.
“Please be aware of the people around you while you are inside a store,” Southard said. “The suspect(s) target the victim and follow them throughout the store until the opportunity to steal the purse presents itself.”
These so-called crimes of opportunity can occur at any time. Therefore, it is crucial that shoppers keep control of their wallet or purse. Such items should never be left in shopping carts.
Police also advise shoppers not to carry large amounts of cash and not to carry a wallet or purse if at all possible. Cash or a wallet should be kept in your front pocket in order to minimize the chance of being pick pocketed.
In addition to causing inconvenience, the theft of a purse or wallet can increase your chance of becoming a victim of identity theft, Southard said.
Police are seeking the public's help in identifying the suspect in the March 9 incident. Anyone with information is encouraged to call Warrenton Detective T.M. Carter at (540) 347-1107, or Fauquier County Crime Solvers at (540) 349-1000.
E-mail the reporter: abogdanovic@timespapers.com
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