Police Warn Of Pickpockets Active In Woodinville

WOODINVILLE, WA - Woodinville police are warning locals to be alert after a recent rash of pick-pocketing incidents in the city. According to police, the thieves are targeting purses and backpacks while the owner is distracted, stealing cash and credit cards.

Police are saying that in many of the cases, the thieves are stealing from a purse or backpack draped over a chair. Police believe the thefts are occurring at local restaurants during lunchtime.

"The victim will order lunch, and then place their purse strap over the back of the chair, with their purse suspended or just touching the floor. The suspect(s) will sit directly behind the victim and very quickly take the victims wallet. Before the victim realizes that their wallet has been stolen the credit cards have already been used and the victim is out hundreds/thousands of dollars before they even realize they have been victimized," police wrote in a Facebook post about the thefts.

Police are cautioning locals to watch their possessions while out in public, and to never drape a bag over a chair so that it's out of sight.

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