Men Snatch Woman's Wallet At Bethesda Trader Joe's

BETHESDA, MD — Police are searching for two men who allegedly stole a Bethesda woman's wallet out of her purse at a grocery store and used her credit card to purchase goods at a Best Buy in D.C.

The woman was shopping at Trader Joe's at 6831 Wisconsin Ave. on Nov. 27 when she was approached by a man who engaged her in conversation, police said. The woman told police she thinks the man was trying to distract her, so she ended the encounter.

She thought the interaction was suspicious, so she checked her purse and noticed her wallet was missing, police said. The woman then learned of multiple fraudulent charges to her credit card from her bank.

Police describe the first suspect as an adult male in his early 30s with dark hair, 6’2” tall, and weighing between 210 and 230 pounds. The second suspect is described as an adult male in his early to mid 40s with dark hair and a full beard. He is about 5’10” tall and weighs between 180 and 190 pounds, police said.

The Montgomery County Police Department reminds residents to keep safe while shopping by following these tips:

• Carry a wallet in an inside coat or front pants pocket.
• Carry your closed purse as close to your body as possible.
• Do not become distracted while shopping; stay alert and be aware of your surroundings at all times.
• Park in well-lighted parking lots and park as close to the mall or store as possible.
• Lock your car doors and keep packages hidden in the trunk or under the seats of your vehicle.
• Do not carry large amounts of cash with you – pay with checks or credit cards when possible.
• Try to avoid carrying a large number of bags. Make trips back to your vehicle to store packages in the trunk as you continue to shop.

Anyone with information regarding these suspects is asked to call the 2nd District Patrol Investigations Unit at 240-773-6700. Those who wish to remain anonymous may call Crime Solvers of Montgomery County toll-free at 1-866-411-TIPS (8477). Crime Solvers will pay a cash reward of up to $10,000 for information provided that leads to an arrest in this case.

Photo: Montgomery County Police Department