News Releases

Detectives Seek Public’s Help in Identifying Bethesda Theft Suspects; Surveillance Photographs Released

For Immediate Release: Friday, December 15, 2017

Detectives from the Montgomery County Police Department – 2^nd District Patrol Investigations Unit are investigating the November 27 theft of credit cards from the victim’s purse at a Bethesda grocery store and the subsequent fraudulent use of those cards at a Best Buy store in Washington, D.C.  Today, investigators are releasing surveillance photographs of the suspects and are asking for the public’s help to identify them.

Investigation revealed that on November 27 at 5:00 p.m., the victim was shopping at Trader Joe’s located at 6831 Wisconsin Avenue in Bethesda. While shopping, the victim was approached by the suspect who engaged her in a conversation. The victim believed the suspect was trying to distract her, so the victim ended the encounter. The victim believed the encounter with the suspect was suspicious and checked her purse and was unable to locate her wallet. At a later date, the victim learned of multiple fraudulent charges to her credit card from her bank.

Suspect one is described as an adult male in his early 30s with dark hair, 6’2” tall, and weighing between 210 and 230 pounds. Suspect two is described as an adult male in his early to mid 40s with dark hair and a full beard., 5’10” tall, and weighing between 180 and 190 pounds.

Anyone with information regarding these suspects is asked to call the 2^nd District Patrol Investigations Unit at 240-773-6700. Those who wish to remain anonymous may 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 that leads to an arrest in this case.

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 while 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.

TOH

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Release ID: 17-423
Media Contact: mcpnews 
Categories: credit-credit-theft-andor-fraud, theft