Police: Roseville theft suspects target women with purses

ROSEVILLE, Minn. (KMSP) - Roseville police are asking for the public's help to identify multiple suspects in a string of wallet thefts and fraudulent credit card purchases.

Police say they noticed an increase in purse and wallet thefts at the beginning of October at restaurants and coffee shops. The suspects appear to be targeting women who put their purses over the backs of their chairs.

In the most recent theft, the suspect distracted the victim by leaning over her chair where her purse was hanging. The victims says the suspect approached her and was admiring and complimenting her grandchild, shortly after leaving the restaurant she noticed her wallet had been stolen and says the only person within close proximity to her wallet was the woman who was complimenting her grandchild.

After the victim reported the theft to the police, she found out the suspect had successfully fraudulently charged or tried to charge several thousands of dollars.

Anyone with information should call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or text a tip to 274637 by texting “Tips674” and your tip.

As the busy holiday shopping season approaches, police want to remind shoppers to keep purses or other possessions within sight while at restaurants and stores and to be aware of people who try to distract your attention away from your belongings.