The Westlake Police Department wants residents to be more aware of their surroundings as the city has had an increase in distraction thefts.
According to the department, there have been four instances in DSW Shoes and Trader Joe's where a wallet was stolen out of an open purse.
The people committing these crimes are laser-focused on shoppers who are busy running errands —often leaving their purses on top of their shopping carts.
Police advise anyone carrying a bag or purse to keep it secure, zipped up and in sight at all times.
Shoppers should also be aware of who is around them, as wallet snatchers can work fast.
This advice, Westlake Police said, should be used wherever you are as these things can happen to you in any city.
In a recently shared surveillance video from inside Trader Joe's, a suspected thief wearing a white hat and winter jacket was captured walking right through the front doors before committing the act.
"Just know that the suspects doing these types of crimes don't want to be detected. So, they're looking for opportunities where they don't have to unzip a purse. They could just easily lift it out," Captain Jerry Vogel with the Westlake Police Department said.
The victims called 911 shortly after their wallets were stolen.
They almost instantly were notified by their bank or credit card company that someone tried to purchase high-priced items at neighboring Crocker Park shops shortly after, like the Apple Store.
"It's hard sometimes because we're distracted by our lives and what we're trying to get done and things like that. But when you're out and about, no matter where you're at, whether it's locking up your car, when you park at somebody somewhere, make sure you take your keys out of the car when you park it. zip up your purse when you're in a store," Vogel said.
At last check, no arrests in any of these recent cases.
It's unclear if these recent incidents are connected.
