Whole Foods, Safeway Shoppers Have Credit Cards Swiped: Police

Gaithersburg, MD — Credit cards were swiped from women's purses while they were in shopping carts, and now Montgomery County Police have released images of the suspected thief.

Three cases of credit card theft were likely committed by the same man at Gaithersburg stores, according to police. The first two thefts occurred Feb. 19 and March 19 at Whole Foods Market, 316 Kentlands Boulevard, while the most recent theft on April 24 took place at a nearby Safeway grocery store at 12251 Darnestown Road in Gaithersburg.

Detectives say that during each theft, the victim’s wallet was stolen from her purse when the purse was left unattended, most likely in a shopping cart. The credit cards were then used in various stores, including the Target in Germantown.

Investigators are asking for the public’s help to identify the male suspect shown on store surveillance as he used the victim’s stolen credit cards.

Anyone with information about this suspect is asked to call police at 240-773-5745 or call Crime Solvers of Montgomery County toll-free 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 the arrest and/or indictment of this suspect.

Tipsters will remain anonymous.

The Montgomery County Police Department reminds residents to keep safe while shopping by following these tips:

• Carry a wallet in an inside coat or front pants pocket.
• Carry your closed purse as close to your body as possible.
• Do not become distracted by your shopping. Stay alert and be aware of your surroundings at all times.
• Park in well-lighted parking lots and park as close to the mall or store as possible.
• Lock your car doors and keep packages hidden in the trunk or under the seats of your vehicle.
• Do not carry large amounts of cash with you – pay with checks or credit cards when possible.
• Try to avoid carrying a large number of bags. Make trips back to your vehicle to store packages in the trunk as you continue to shop.

»Photos of credit card thief courtesy of Montgomery County Police