Credit Cards Stolen at Restaurant Used at Target, Pike Center Shops

BETHESDA, MD — Credit cards stolen last month from the purse of a customer at La Madeleine Country French Café in Bethesda were later used at Rockville stores, including Target, say Montgomery County Police. On Thursday, detectives released surveillance photographs of two suspects who allegedly charged about $1,700 worth of merchandise to the stolen credit cards and asked for the public’s help to identify the culprits.

Investigators say a woman dining at La Madeleine Country French Café restaurant, 7607 Old Georgetown Road in Bethesda, had her wallet stolen between 6 and 7 p.m. on Dec. 17. The victim was later notified by her bank that her credit cards had been used fraudulently.

The thieves used the stolen credit cards to buy items at the Target store located at 5700 Bou Ave. in Rockville, as well as at nearby stores at the Montrose Crossing Shopping Center and at the Pike Center Shopping Center on Rockville Pike, officials say.

Police urge residents to take these steps to prevent the theft of their purse or wallet:

• Carry your purse as close to your body as possible and keep it in sight at all times.
• Carry your wallet in an inside coat or front pants pocket.
• Do not become distracted. Stay alert and be aware of your surroundings at all times.

Anyone with information about these suspects is asked to call police at 240-773-6710 or Crime Solvers of Montgomery County at 1-866-411-TIPS (8477). Crime Solvers will pay a cash reward of up to $10,000 for information provided to them that leads to an arrest in this case. To be eligible for a reward, tipsters must call Crime Solvers. Callers may remain anonymous.

»Photos of suspected credit card thieves, courtesy of Montgomery County Police