Since early January, police have received more than 10 reports of purse thefts, with the most recent theft taking place last week in the parking lot of a grocery store on the city’s west end.
On Friday, Feb. 23, 2018 West Division officers responded to the report of a purse theft in the parking lot of a grocery store in the area of 185 Street and Stony Plain Road. A shopper was reportedly returning her cart to the cart stand when her purse was allegedly stolen from the front passenger seat of her vehicle.
Similar instances have been reported in grocery store parking lots across the city, with suspects targeting shoppers in west, southwest and northwest Edmonton. In each instance, the suspect reportedly waits until the shopper is distracted or away from their shopping cart or vehicle and then removes the purse from the grocery cart or the passenger seat of the unlocked car. Suspects have ranged from one individual to three and have included males and females.
“With the recent increase in these thefts, we are reminding shoppers to remain aware of their possessions and surroundings at all times,” says Det. Richard Windover with West Division.
“If you’ve had your purse stolen in a similar way or have noticed any suspicious activity while in a parking lot, please give us a call.”
Anyone who has information about this crime is asked to contact the EPS at 780-423-4567or #377 from a mobile phone. Anonymous information can also be submitted to Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or online at www.tipsubmit.com/start.htm.