Over the weekend, police officers responded to a local retail store after a theft targeting a senior shopper, according to the Huntington Beach Police Department.
Like something from the Grinch’s holiday playbook, the suspects worked as a team: one distracted the victim while the other took her purse from the shopping cart and fled to a waiting vehicle.
But these would-be Grinches didn’t get far! Thanks to alert employees who provided detailed descriptions of the suspects and their getaway vehicle, the officers quickly located the suspects’ car and conducted a traffic stop.
After a thorough investigation, all three suspects were arrested on multiple charges, including burglary. Additionally, the driver was found to be unlicensed and received an extra charge.
The HBPD wants to remind the community, especially our seniors, to stay vigilant against distraction crimes. Here are some helpful tips to keep in mind during the holiday shopping season:
- Always keep your belongings close and in sight.
- Carry your purse in front of you whenever possible.
- Stay aware of your surroundings—those extra seconds of awareness can make all the difference! See less
HBPD forgot to mention tip # 4. DON’T talk to strangers in the store or on the street since random conversations may lead to distractions. When Shopping, only communicate with store employees, supervisors, or security.