CLT Thieves Target Women Shoppers

Courtney Francisco,

CHARLOTTE, NC — CMPD issued a crime alert Tuesday. Detectives say a group of thieves is targeting shoppers who leave their purses in their shopping carts.

They say it’s part of a crime wave across the country. There were two local victims last Monday. One at Concord Mills, and one at the HomeGoods off Sharon Rd. in Charlotte.

Detectives say the group of thieves approach the woman. They somehow get her attention, she leaves her purse and the accomplices steal the wallet.

They use credit cards to buy gift cards that they sell online.

Police reports say the suspects in the latest spree used the cards at the Target in Midtown.

Detectives say they’ve seen an increase in the crime at restaurants as well.

Now, they’re working with agencies across the country to track the thieves.

Investigators say to protect yourself, hold your purse close to your body and keep a close eye on your surroundings.