Police in central Ohio say thieves are getting wiser and faster when it comes to picking your wallet right out of a women’s purse. Several reports have surfaced in Worthington and Reynoldsburg where women reported feeling someone “bumping” their chair or “jarring” it.
What the women didn’t realize is that the person who bumped them was also lifting their wallet out of their purse.
New Crime Trend: Thieves stealing wallets, leaving purses
“The new trend we’re seeing is where people are removing a wallet from inside a purse, but leaving the purse,” says Officer Nikki Riley with the Reynoldsburg Division of Police. “A lot of times they will come in and cause some sort of distraction, whether that’s bump into somebody or act like they dropped something. And in the course of that, they’ll reach in and remove the wallet from the purse.”
Worthington police detective Gary Swenson says it seems Panera restaurants are the most frequent target in the Columbus area. However, other eating establishments, such as First Watch, have also had reported cases.
“The suspects sit at a table directly behind or next to the intended victims,” Det. Swenson tells CrimeTracker 10. Swenson says the pickpocketers then go immediately to stores like Target and Best Buy, racking up thousands of dollars in gift cards, gas cards, pre-paid credit cards, and high-end electronics, such as MacBooks and iPads.
In all the cases, police say the thieves work in teams of two, sometimes acting like couples, other times in small groups.
“They’re using the credit cards within minutes to hurry up and max them out before the victim realizes what happens,” adds Officer Riley as she described how one victim started getting bank alerts on her phone before she even knew her wallet was stolen.
Another twist with the bump-and-lift technique is when pickpocketers place their coats over their chairs while covering up a women’s purse in another chair just behind them. When the suspect takes their coat, they quickly reach into an open purse and take the wallet.
Recommendations to protect yourself
“What’s convenient isn’t always the best,” says Officer Riley, referring to the open-top purses and totes that many moms prefer to carry because of their accessibility.
Riley recommends purses that zip or have a flap and zip combination that will further enhance the locking mechanism. She also suggests sitting in a booth if you have that option so you can better protect your valuables from people simply walking by.
“As uncomfortable as it may be, you may have to sit with your purse in your lap when you eat,” says Riley. “No one wants to do that, but no one wants their stuff stolen either.”
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The following photos are surveillance from various retail stores where police in Worthington and Reynoldsburg say the suspected pickpocketers charged up thousands of dollars with stolen credit cards..
If you recognize the individuals in these photos, contact Reynoldsburg Police at 614-866-6622 or Worthington Police at 614 885-4463 (Police Dispatch)
