The Santa Clarita Valley Sheriff’s Station has issued a warning regarding an increase in thefts of wallets stolen from women’s purses as they are shopping.

Here is the advisory from the station’s Facebook page:

Crime Prevention Unit deputies have noticed an increase in thefts of wallets from women’s purses while they are shopping in grocery stores.

This is important information to share with family members and friends. The thefts have been occurring when purses are in the cart, and women have their back turned. In a few of the cases, a “distraction technique” was used where a second suspect approaches the victim, maybe asking questions about where a store’s product is at.

While the victim is distracted, a suspect slips wallet out of the purse. As soon as the thief obtains the wallet, they have been known in some of the cases to immediately go in a retail store using the credit cards to purchase items.

Spread the word about this crime trend, especially if you have any elderly relatives who may not be aware.