There is a serial purse pincher on the loose and he’s targeting women in stores, according to cops.
“The suspect steals the wallet from a shopping cart when the owner’s back is turned or when she is distracted,” police spokesperson Mónica Muñoz said.
The man is believed responsible for nine cases in the Mira Mesa and Carmel Mountain neighborhoods. On two occasions he unsuccessfully tried to use stolen ATM cards after his thefts.
So far, the alleged purse pincher has targeted Albertson’s, Ross, CVS, Target and Ralph’s in Mira Mesa and Sears and Ralph’s in Carmel Mountain. He has hit the Albertson’s and CVS stores twice on Westview Parkway, Muñoz said.
The suspect is described as 35-years-old, about 5 feet 9 inches tall to 6 feet tall with a thin build, black hair and brown eyes.
Anyone with information on the identity of this suspect should call the Crime Stoppers anonymous tip line at (888) 580-8477.
