'Distraction Theft' Attempted At Wall Supermarket Parking Lot

WALL, NJ — Police in Wall are alerting the community not to fall victim to distraction thefts after an incident on Thursday in which a shopper was approached by a team of would-be thieves.

On Thursday, Aug. 31, a shopper was parked in the parking lot of Acme on Route 35 when she was approached by three strangers, police said.

While one of the people motioned to her that something was under her vehicle, the other two people opened the passenger side door and attempted to remove valuables.

Luckily for the car owner, she realized what was happening before the people could take anything, police said.

They left the scene before patrols arrived. The incident is still under investigation, police said.

Wall police said in these types of thefts a person can work alone or in a small team. The thieves use some type of distraction as their tool, rather than physically accosting their victim.

Here are some tips from police to help you avoid becoming a victim of a distraction theft:

• Stay cautious: Be aware of your surroundings and remain alert when approached by strangers.
• Stay in control: Be cautious of distractions and be wary of helpful individuals who claim you have a problem with your car.
• Lock your doors: Always lock your vehicle doors whether you’re out in public or at home.
• Secure your valuables: Make sure to store your valuables out of sight, like under the passenger seat or under a jacket, or take them with you. Never leave items such as purses, wallets, electronics or other valuable items in plain view.
• Park wisely: When possible park in well-lit and populated areas, especially during nighttime.
• Report suspicious activity: Immediately contact police if you notice any suspicious behavior or believe you’ve been a victim of a distraction theft.

Police said your prompt report can help police identify patterns and apprehend the culprits. You can reach the Wall Police Department at 732-449-4500.