Women Grab Purse From Wegmans Shopping Cart

You turn your head for a second in a store and, suddenly, your entire wallet is gone.

It can sometimes be a complicated and clever case of distraction involving more than two or three crooks. Other times, it’s observant thieves seizing any opportunity.

On Oct. 11, a city resident reported that she was shopping at Wegmans when an unknown person stole her wallet.

Fredericksburg City Police believe the two women pictured above are responsible. They used the victim’s credit cards to make multiple purchases at a nearby store.

If you can identify the subjects, email Det. Gloria Mejia at gmejia@pd.fredericksburgva.gov.

How to Protect Your Purse

Here’s 3 top tips to avoid pickpocketing, according to expert Bob Arno and Nightline:

1. Don’t Be Distracted Just Because Someone Appears Trustworthy

Most pickpocketing instances are crimes of opportunity, Arno said.

“It’s more about [people] not paying attention. … Victims make it easy for the thief,” he said. “[Thieves] all say they love the person who is lackadaisical. They can practically smell them.”

2. If It’s Easy for You to Get Into, It’s Easy for Thieves Too

Instead of leaving your purse or backpack in the cart or hanging off a chair at a restaurant, Arno suggested carrying it under your arm or keeping it in front of you.

“If I’m feeling at all threatened I have it up front,” he said.

3. Keep Everything in Your Line of Sight

Never, ever leave your purse or bag in the shopping cart and walk away from it, Arno said. It will make you a prime target.

See Arno’s tips in action at Nightline.