Petty thefts are on the rise as customers crowd stores for holiday shopping.
The Edmonton Police Service is investigating multiple reports of purse thefts at west Edmonton stores.
Since the beginning of September, EPS West Division received 16 reports of purse thefts in west Edmonton, with a recent incident taking place last week at a retail store in the Mayfield area.
One of the latest incidents occurred on Nov. 19, where officers responded to a purse theft at a retail store in the area of Stony Plain Rd. and 168 St.
A woman had placed her purse inside a shopping basket and while browsing realized it had disappeared. When the complainant contacted her financial institution to cancel her debit card, she learned the thief had used her card to make purchases at various neighbouring stores.
Shoppers at other stores in Edmonton’s west end have reported similar instances. The majority of thefts have taken place at larger grocery and retail stores along Stony Plain Rd. between 149 St. and 185 St.
In each theft, the perpetrator waits until a shopper is distracted and then steals the purse from a shopping cart or basket. The thief then uses the stolen cards or cash at stores.
In total, West Division responded to 22 similar thefts between Jan. 11 and Nov. 25, 2020, with more than $5,700 reported stolen.
Investigators have identified a person of interest and are searching for their whereabouts. As holiday shopping begins, officers encourage people to remain aware of their possessions and surroundings at all time.
Anyone with information about this crime is encouraged to contact EPS at 780-423-4567 or #377 from a mobile phone. Anonymous information can be submitted to Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or online at www.p3tips.com/250.
