Police investigate theft of wallets from shoppers in local grocery stores

Police are warning shoppers, "Don’t leave wallets and purses unattended."

On two occasions recently, North Bay police have responded to the theft of wallets from local grocery stores, while the victims were shopping. 

On the morning of March 7, a local woman was shopping at a grocery store on Cassells Street and left her purse unattended in her shopping cart for a few minutes.  Upon returning, she noticed her purse was wide open, so she closed it. 

"When the victim attended the check-out area, she realized her wallet had been stolen from her purse," says Constable Merv Shantz. "The victim notified her bank to cancel her cards and was informed that her credit card had been tapped for approximately $300 in purchases at nearby businesses. Cash had also been stolen from her purse during the incident."

That same morning, a local resident was shopping at a McKeown Avenue grocery store, when her wallet was stolen from her purse.  Her cards were also used at another local establishment.

It appears, in both cases, that there are two suspects involved, and one may be distracting the victim, as the other steals their wallet.," says Shantz. 

Police are continuing to investigate both incidents.

Police are warning about leaving purses or wallets unattended anywhere, for any length of time. 

"It only takes a few seconds for a thief to steal a purse or wallet from a shopping cart, an unlocked vehicle, or anywhere else where they are easily accessible," adds Shantz.