Nature of Incident: Wallet and Purse Thefts
Report Number: Numerous incidents in the City of Camarillo
Location: Grocery Stores, Outlet Malls, and Department Stores
Date & Time: 11-30-2018 – 1000
Unit(s) Responsible: Camarillo Patrol Services, Camarillo Investigations Bureau
(S)uspects, (V)ictims, (P)arty, (D)ecedent City of Residence Age
Narrative:
During the last several months, the Camarillo Police Department has responded to and
investigated numerous incidents involving persons who have had their wallets and purses stolen
while shopping. One of the most common incidents is when women are shopping in the market
and place their purse in the child seat of the shopping cart. When the victim turns away, to grab
something from a shelf, the thief will reach into the purse and take their wallet. Many times the
victim will not realize this has happened until several minutes later when they attempt to
purchase their groceries. This short lag time gives the thieves the opportunity to use the victim’s
credit cards at a nearby store, sometimes charging thousands of dollars.
During this holiday shopping season, the Camarillo Police Department would like to remind
shoppers to be alert of their surroundings. Remember to never leave anything unattended even
for a short period of time. Also when shopping, if you leave purchases inside your vehicle, place
the items into the trunk of the car to help avoid giving the opportunity to a thief to see them in the
passenger compartment.
Anyone who may witness a theft is encouraged to contact the Ventura County Crime Stoppers.
Ventura County Crime Stoppers will pay up to $1,000 reward for information, which leads to the
arrest and criminal complaint against the person(s) responsible for this crime. The caller may
remain anonymous. The call is not recorded. Call Crime Stoppers at 800-222-TIPS (8477).
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Prepared by: Det. Daniel Blanck
News Release Date: 11-30-2018
Media Follow-Up Contact: Sergeant Julie Novak (805-947-9363)
Approved by: Captain Jeremy Paris
