Purse snatchers are targeting community members at retail parking lots and gas stations. Police ask citizens to be aware of their surroundings and take extra steps to prevent themselves from being victims.
The Pueblo Police Department has received increased reports of purse thefts in retail parking lots and at gas stations.
There is a group of people who are targeting unsuspecting citizens while they move groceries and other purchases from shopping carts into their cars, or while they fill their cars with gas. The thieves are reported to look for lone females who leave a purse or wallet in a shopping cart or child seat when they step away to open a car door or pump gas. When the victim steps out of reach from their purse or wallet, the thieves will drive close to the cart or open door, a passenger will reach out and grab the purse or wallet, and the suspects drive away.
The Pueblo Police Department would like to remind everyone to be vigilant and aware of your surroundings. Don’t leave children, pets, or any personal belongings unattended. Please lock your cars when you park them and remember to shut off the engine and lock your doors when getting gas, even when it seems like an inconvenience.
The Pueblo Police Department is actively investigating these incidents and is taking extra measures to help protect the public. If you become a victim of this crime report it right away, but please don’t take measures into your own hands. Providing accurate descriptions of suspects and suspect vehicles, along with obtaining license plate numbers, if possible, will help with identifying and apprehending the thieves.
These are active and ongoing investigations. If anyone has information about these incidents, you are encouraged to contact the Pueblo Police Department Communication Center at (719) 553-2502. If you would like to remain anonymous, contact Pueblo Crime Stoppers at (719) 542-STOP (719-542-7867) or www.pueblocrimestoppers.com. If your information leads to a felony arrest, you could be eligible for a cash reward.
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