Thursday, July 31, 2003
Surveillance videos have given township police descriptions of suspects.
By JOHN W. GOODWIN JR.
VINDICATOR STAFF WRITER
BOARDMAN -- Township shoppers need to pay a little closer attention to their wallets and purses while going through stores, police say.
A series of pickpocketing has been reported to police in the last few weeks. Five elderly residents have fallen victim to the pickpockets thus far.
Capt. Jack Nichols said one man was shopping in a grocery store last week when another man bumped into him in one of the aisles. Nichols said the men almost fell over, but used each other for support and to regain balance before actually falling.
The man responsible for the run-in apologized and continued on his way. The other man thought nothing of the incident -- until a short time later when he reached for his wallet, which was gone.
Nichols said female shoppers with purses sitting in carts are another target for pickpockets. He said police have had reports of someone starting a conversation with a woman while someone else takes the wallet out of her purse.
"Shopping with your purse open on top of a shopping cart is a big no-no," Nichols said.
He said most of the crimes seem to be taking place in grocery stores lately.
Suspects on tape
Police have reviewed surveillance tapes and have descriptions of two men thought to have been involved in pickpocketing. They are both described as black males in their 40s between 170 and 175 pounds, one with gray hair and the other with a receding hairline. One of the men may have been assisted by a female.
Nichols advises that shoppers be aware of their surroundings. He said it is best to be cautious of strangers striking up conversations while shopping. He said shoppers should also watch for individuals who bump into them in stores.
jgoodwin@vindy.com