Cops Urge Caution After Surge In Wallet Thefts In Wheaton

WHEATON, IL — Wheaton police are urging residents to stay vigilant after a recent rash of thefts involving wallets that were swiped from shoppers' carts at local stores.

Between Jan. 20 and Jan. 21, a wallet was stolen from an unattended shopping cart at Home Goods, 38 Danada Square West, and used to make unauthorized purchases at other stores. Another wallet was stolen from a purse that was left in a shopping cart at Whole Foods, 89 Danada Square East.

Wheaton police say this trend has been ongoing for the past two months, according to a news update from city officials. They recommend taking the following steps to prevent pickpockets:

• Keep wallets, cards, IDs and large amounts of cash in front pants pockets and in jacket/coat pockets that zip or button up
• Keep a rubber band around your wallet to cause friction if someone tries to remove it
• Avoid patting your pockets when you're in public
• Avoid keeping your wallet in your purse, or conceal it when you do
• Carry shoulder bags across your body
• Carry handbags close to the front of your body
• Do not leave wallets or purses unattended in shopping carts or on shopping counters

Similar thefts were reported in December, when wallets were also stolen from carts at Home Goods and Whole Foods in Wheaton. On Jan. 13, a wallet was stolen from a cart at Whole Foods, according to Wheaton police. As with the previous incidents, the Jan. 13 theft took place in the afternoon.