Serial Purse Thief Arrested in Crystal Lake

A 32-year-old Crystal Lake woman has been arrested for stealing purses from women’s carts while they shopped at local businesses in September.

Megan Corrales, of 321 West Terra Cotta Avenue Apt. 7 in Crystal Lake, remains in custody Wednesday on a $3,500 bail. She is charged with three counts of felony theft and one count of felony retail theft in connection with the theft reports.

She is accused of stealing the purses from carts at the Jewel-Osco, Target and Walmart in Crystal Lake during the month of September, according to a Crystal Lake Police Department press release.

Police said video footage from surveillance cameras at the stores showed Corrales would engage in a conversation with the victims, with the goal of causing a distraction, and would then steal their purses.

Corrales was arrested Tuesday following the investigation by the Crystal Lake Police Department.

This case remains an active investigation. The Crystal Lake Police reminds citizens to remain vigilant while shopping this holiday season and to report any suspicious activity observed.