Reminder For Shoppers As Woman’s Wallet Snatched From Shopping Cart

Police are sending out a reminder and a warning for shoppers: watch your wallet at the grocery store.  Turning your back on your shopping cart with your personal belongings, even for a brief time can open the door to theft. A recent Phoenix incident is a reminder not leave your purse or wallet in your shopping cart while browsing the aisles.Police are looking for three suspects in the case that occurred on June 22nd at a grocery store near 28th Street and Indian School. A female shopper experienced her wallet stolen out of her purse as she stood right next to her cart.

The suspects were caught on surveillance video, and police have released the incident in hopes that someone will recognize them.

20 minutes after the incident, the three suspects are seen on video using the victim’s stolen credit cards to make purchases at another nearby retail store.

The first suspect is described as a woman, 5’6”- 5’7”, 150-160 pounds and wearing a baseball cap.

The second suspect is described as a white male, mid- 40s, 5’10”, average build, and also wearing a baseball cap.

The third suspect is described as a white female, 30-40 years old, 5’10” and 140 pounds.

How to Avoid Becoming a Victim of Purse Snatchers

For distracted shoppers, a trip to the store could result with a stolen purse or wallet, but there are some practical ways to protect your personal items.

What Purse Thieves Look For:

-A purse that is draped on the back of a chair or on the floor.
-A wallet that sticking out of a purse.
-A purse or wallet left in a shopping cart, with a shopper who has their back turned, or is down the aisle from their cart.
-A purse or bags left in an unlocked car.
-A purse or wallet set down on a table or counter.
-Purses left in unattended in dressing rooms.

So what should you do?

Travel with a purse that has built-in anti-theft features and use them. Locking zippers to keep pesky pickpockets out are strongly suggested. Also purse straps that detach on one side of the bag so that you wrap the strap through a chair back or the shopping cart, tethering the bag to the stationary item is also helpful. When at the grocery store, be aware and alert and never leave your cart unattended.

If you recognize the Phoenix suspects, please call Silent Witness at either 480-WITNESS (948-6377) or 1-800-343-TIPS (8477). You can remain anonymous and you might be eligible for a cash reward of up to $1,000.