Pickpocket Gang Targeting Shoppers Across Puget Sound: Police

EVERETT, WA - If someone bumps into you at a local restaurant or shopping mall, double-check that your wallet is still in your pocket. Everett police have issued a warning about a band of pickpockets working around Puget Sound. Their fingerprints have been detected on thefts between the Everett Mall and Bellevue.

"We do not believe these crimes are isolated incidences. Rather, criminals are making coordinated efforts to victimize unsuspecting people throughout the Puget Sound,” Everett police Financial Crimes Sgt. Matt Mekelburg said in a press release. “Be aware of your surroundings and take a few basic steps to protect your financial security.”

Make sure to secure your wallet, whether it's in your purse or pocket. Police also note the thieves have been targeting shoppers at specific stores, like Trader Joe's and Target.

Police think the pickpockets are part of nationwide gang that operates in Pacific Northwest, New York City, and Florida.

Here's a rundown of their recent crimes:

• March 14th between 1-4pm: Wallet stolen at Panera Bread (Bellevue Way - Bellevue, WA) to purchase Apple, Microsoft, and Target merchandise.
• February 19th at about 2 pm: Wallet stolen at Panera Bread (Bellevue Way - Bellevue, WA) and attempted to purchase an Apple product.
• February 2nd at about 1:15 pm: Wallet stolen at Trader Joe’s (SE Everett Mall Way - Everett, WA) to purchase Best Buy, Apple, and Microsoft merchandise.
• January 3rd between 2:30-2:50: Wallet stolen at Panera Bread (Factoria, WA) with $4,000 of merchandise bought at Best Buy.
• December 9th: Suspects steal a wallet at Panera Bread (Lynnwood, WA) and purchase gift cards at nearby Safeway.
• December 9th: Credit cards stolen at Panera Bread (Woodinville, WA) used to purchase merchandise at Nordstrom’s (Lynnwood, WA).
• December 9th: Purse stolen at Maggiano’s Restaurant (Bellevue, WA) with credit cards used to purchase gifts cards at nearby Safeway.

Recognize one of the suspects? Contact Crime Stoppers of Puget Sound at 1-800-222-TIPS.

Images and video courtesy Everett police