Shopping in West Hartford? Watch Out

WEST HARTFORD, CT — Local police are warning residents to be wary of what they're calling "distraction style" thefts in which on person engages with a victim while a partner robs them.

The West Hartford Police Department, via its Facebook page Wednesday, notified residents of a "distraction style" theft that occurred Tuesday afternoon in the parking lot of 340 N. Main St., which is home to a Whole Foods Market, among other retail establishments.

"The style of theft was similar to those that occurred back in February in supermarket parking lots," West Hartford police said in a Facebook post. "We have only received one report as of this writing."

The department offered some steps/tips to deal with the situation:

• Generally, distraction thieves are well-dressed and target elderly victims and retail businesses.

• As in this case and similar cases, the suspects work in pairs and may wait for you to enter your vehicle and then the distracter will lure you out either trying to report a problem they have or an issue with your vehicle (flat tire, lug nut, etc.)

• Be aware of your surroundings and be wary of strangers.

• If you exit your vehicle to speak with someone, lock and close your vehicle doors behind you.

ֳ• Place valuables (purse, wallet, etc.) in a hidden area in your vehicle and if your purse has a zipper utilize it.

• Park in a well-lit and visible area (keep in mind where exterior cameras may be located on nearby buildings)

• Immediately report any suspicious behavior to the police.

For the West Hartford Police Department Facebook page, visit this link.

For the West Hartford Police Department website, visit this link.