Thieves Target Women's Wallets in Stafford: Police

STAFFORD, VA — Several times during the past month or so, women clandestinely have been robbed of their wallets while dining at "fast-casual" eateries, according to the Stafford County Sheriff's Office.

Police say the thieves nab the wallets from an open purse and then immediately try to use enclosed credit cards at nearby stores.

Toward that end, and to avoid such shenanigans, police have issued some points of caution:

Even in a casual environment there are tips to remember to keep your valuables safe.

1. Keep your purse close to your body and tightly closed when not in use.
2. When seated in a restaurant, place your purse beside you, never on the back of a chair or under your seat.
3. If you sit in a booth – place your purse on the seat where it isn’t exposed to people walking by.
4. Don’t put your purse down and walk away, not even for a few seconds.

The public is reminded to ALWAYS keep cars locked and purses out of sight.

Photo: Stafford County Sheriff's Office