“I’ll Never Help Anybody Again” — Distraction crimes in parking lots
It was in the middle of a snowstorm when Denise left the grocery store and headed to her car. The wind was blowing and she was pulling her cart through the snow.
Her purse fell onto the snowy ground. She picked it up and tossed it on the front seat.
“My only thought was to get home,” she said. “I blanked everything else out, so I was just throwing the bags in [the car].”
She heard someone trying to get her attention. When she looked up, she saw a man who was asking her for directions while motioning her toward the back of the car.
While her attention was diverted, his partner took the victim’s wallet from her car. The victim didn’t even realize it until her credit card company called her about some odd purchases on her card.
“It’s devastating and I’ve turned into a person I don’t want to be. I’ll never help anybody again,” the distraught woman said. “I’m sure they watched me and saw me struggling and saw my purse. These people know where I live, they have my ID, and it’s violating.”
Related Post: Stop Being Too Nice; It Could Put You in Danger
In another incident, a 70-year-old woman was returning to her vehicle after shopping when she was approached by a man who claimed one of her rear tires had low pressure.
Police said the victim had placed her purse on the vehicle driver’s seat and then went with the man around the vehicle to look at the tire. She eventually got back into her car and started to drive home, but soon realized her purse was missing.
A little while later several of her bank cards were used for a bunch of transactions totaling approximately $9,000.
These are not isolated incidences
These distraction burglaries are happening all over. The thieves work in pairs. One of them will point out an alleged mechanical problem on the car (usually a tire). When the driver goes to look, an accomplice quickly swipes any purse or wallet left unguarded in the open vehicle.
Be Aware
Now that you know about this kind of theft, you know what to look for. Be aware.
Related Post: Awareness -The Cornerstone of Self Defense
Don’t believe anyone if they say there is a problem with your car. In fact, be aware of any approaching people. Get in your car and lock the doors or go back into the store.
Related Post: Avoid Being Targeted in a Parking Lot
Drive to another part of the parking lot and check your car out if you want to.
~ Shereen
More articles about distraction robberies:
Distraction Burglary and Theft ID Needed
2 distraction theft suspects arrested after using stolen credit cards in North Naples
Suspects steal woman’s purse after telling her she has flat tire at Oakland County grocery store
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