Police Seeks Help To Prevent Purse Thefts

Since the beginning of September, there have been ten thefts at various Arlington Heights  “pay first” restaurants involving purses left hanging on or placed under the seats. 

The purses are not just out of view but they are often left open with the victim’s wallet exposed, which is an easy target according to Arlington Heights Police.

The offenders may sit at an adjacent table or walk by waiting until you are distracted before removing the wallet. 

After leaving the restaurant the offender will begin charging purchases to credit cards or withdraw funds from bank accounts.  Police said the offenders know  they have time because the victim has already paid for the food and will not notice the theft until after eating or attempting to make another purchase somewhere else. 

Police urges victims of a purse theft to immediately cancel all exposed financial accounts after discovering the theft to prevent further lose.

There has been more than $11,000 in fraudulent charges and $11,000 in fraudulent bank withdrawals as a result of the ten thefts.  There was an additional $2,500 in charges denied. 

Other items that would need to be replace, includes a new drivers license, credit/debit cards, family pictures and  important financial documents.

THEFT PREVENTION

Keep purse in view.  Use a purse hook to hang the bag from the edge of the table.

Close the purse.

Try to sit with your back against a wall and avoid sitting adjacent to high traffic areas like the entrance/exit or drink/condiment stations.

If you see an easy target – let them know.

Use similar prevention measures when shopping with a cart.