‘Distraction Thefts’ Increase Near Jersey Shore Grocery Store: Cops

EGG HARBOR TOWNSHIP, NJ - An uptick in distraction thefts in one Jersey Shore town’s grocery store parking lot has prompted a police warning to residents.

The Egg Harbor Township Police Department noted an increase in thefts at the English Creek ShopRite, during which subjects will approach victims inside of the store or in the parking lot and attempt to speak to them in a different language, police said in a statement.

While the first subject distracts the target, another subject will take the victim's purse or wallet from the shopping cart in the scheme, police said.

In another variation of the plot, a subject will approach a victim getting into their car and advise them that they dropped something, police added. However, when the victim gets out to check, another subject will approach the passenger's side of the vehicle, open the door and remove a wallet or purse from the vehicle.

“We are asking the public to be cautious of anyone approaching you while you are shopping, do not leave your valuables unattended, and to call the police if you feel unsafe in any way,” police said.