News Releases

Detectives Ask for Public’s Help to Identify Credit Card Theft Suspect; Residents Reminded to Keep Wallets and Purses Close While Shopping

For Immediate Release: Thursday, July 7, 2016

Detectives from the 6th District Patrol Investigations Unit are investigating three cases of credit card theft that are believed to have been committed by the same suspect.  The first two thefts occurred on February 19 and March 19 at the Whole Foods Market located at 316 Kentlands Boulevard and the most recent theft on April 24 occurred at a nearby Safeway grocery store located at 12251 Darnestown Road in Gaithersburg.

The investigation by detectives revealed that during each theft, the victim’s wallet was stolen from her purse when the purse was left unattended (most likely in a shopping cart).   The victims’ credit cards were used fraudulently in various stores to include the Target in Germantown.

Investigators are asking for the public’s help to identify the male suspect who was captured on store surveillance where he fraudulently used the victim’s stolen credit cards.

Anyone with information about this suspect is asked to call the 6^th District Patrol Investigations Unit at 240-773-5745 or call Crime Solvers of Montgomery County toll-free at 1-866-411-TIPS (8477).  Crime Solvers will pay a cash reward of up to $10,000 for information provided to them that leads to the arrest and/or indictment of this suspect. Tipsters will remain anonymous.

The Montgomery County Police Department reminds residents to keep safe while shopping by following these tips:

• Carry a wallet in an inside coat or front pants pocket.
• Carry your closed purse as close to your body as possible.
• Do not become distracted by your shopping.  Stay alert and be aware of your surroundings at all times.
• Park in well-lighted parking lots and park as close to the mall or store as possible.
• Lock your car doors and keep packages hidden in the trunk or under the seats of your vehicle.
• Do not carry large amounts of cash with you – pay with checks or credit cards when possible.
• Try to avoid carrying a large number of bags. Make trips back to your vehicle to store packages in the trunk as you continue to shop.

RLG

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Release ID: 16-171
Media Contact: mcpnews 
Categories: credit-credit-theft-andor-fraud, uncategorized