Roseville Police say they and other local law enforcement agencies have taken "many reports" from residents who were distracted by a stranger while shopping, then noticed their wallets had been stolen.
Unattended purses are also being targeted, police warn.
On June 13, an elderly woman shopping at Whole Foods in Roseville was distracted by an unknown woman striking up a conversation. Her wallet was stolen and her credit cards were used soon after at local stores, police say.
"The woman was described as a white female in her 20s, 5'7" tall and thin, with dark, straight shoulder-length hair," a Roseville Police crime log states, noting the crime took place between 5:45 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.
The following day, a woman eating at a restaurant between 2 and 2:45 p.m. in the 1100 block of Galleria Boulevard hung her purse on the back of her chair. Her wallet was stolen, and the thief tried to use her credit cards "to make large purchases at local stores," according to police.
Around 12:40 p.m. the same day (June 14), a woman accidentally left her wallet on the counter of a restaurant in the 1800 block of Douglas Boulevard while paying for her meal. Again, the wallet was stolen and her credit cards were used soon after, police say.
Police warn shoppers to be vigilant to prevent these types of crimes: "Please keep your purse securely closed and in your sight and control at all times when you're out in public. Be wary of strangers who may be trying to distract you, and call 911 if you notice anyone acting suspiciously."
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