News Releases

For Immediate Release: Thursday, January 2, 2014

Detectives from the 4th District-Petty Crimes Unit continue to investigate a theft of a wallet that occurred in October. Investigators have exhausted leads and are now releasing photographs of the suspect to the public.

On October 20, 4th District officers responded to a call for a theft of a wallet that occurred at the Sol D' Italia restaurant located in the Layhill Shopping Center (14324 Layhill Road). Investigation revealed that while the victim was at the restaurant, she hung her purse on the back of her chair. At some point, an unknown suspect removed her wallet from her purse. The victim did not realize that her wallet was missing until she returned home.

In one and a half hours, the suspect fraudulently charged approximately $800.00 to the victim's credit cards at CVS stores in Aspen Hill and Rockville.

Detectives have obtained photographs of the suspect from restaurant surveillance and are asking for the public's assistance in identifying the suspect. Anyone with information about the suspect in the photographs is asked to call 4th District Petty Crimes detectives at 240-773-5476. Those who wish to remain anonymous may call Crime Solvers of Montgomery County toll-free at 1-866-411-TIPS (8477).

To prevent someone from stealing one's purse in a public setting, women are reminded that it is best to have direct contact with their purse (placed on a lap or between feet). If you place your purse somewhere, such as in a shopping cart, you should maintain visual contact of your purse at all times. Also, make sure that your purse is fastened shut and pockets are zippered.

RLI