Thursday, December 30, 2004
Crime Alert for December 30, 2004 - Recent Thefts of Purses
Residents and Businesses:
We have recently been experiencing an increase in thefts of purses from offices, cars, etc., including one while the victim shopped and had set her purse on the floor next to her.
In the most recent theft, witnesses observed the suspect before he fled out the door. He is described as a Black Male, mid 30’s, 5’8"-6", 190 lbs, with a moustache and unshaven (a couple of days growth) beard, wearing a black or navy blue knit cap, black or blue pea coat, black or blue warm-up pants with a white stripe on both legs, and tennis shoes. He held his hands in his pockets and it appeared that he was holding the purses under his coat, and he was acting very suspiciously.
The recent thefts have been at retail stores, but it has happened elsewhere. Most frequently, the victim had set the purse down or had it in a shopping cart and either turned or walked away, allowing the thief the opportunity to just pick up the purse and walk away unnoticed.
While the items in your purse have a value of their own as well as sentimental value (pictures, etc.), the thieves are more than likely after your credit cards and personal identification so that they can steal your identity and use your credit.
Please be mindful of this and remind your friends and co-workers to lock their purses out of sight of would-be thieves. If you must leave your purse in an office, you should lock it in a drawer and if the office has public access, lock the office if you leave.
Crime Prevention and Identity Theft Prevention Tips:
Limit the type and amount of personal identification that you carry with you. (There is rarely a need to have your Birth Certificate or Social Security card with you unless you are leaving the country.)
Determine which credit cards and debit cards that you use most frequently and leave the others locked up at home.
Carry debit cards instead of a check book. Most merchants accept them and stolen checks are a common way that identity thieves get information about you.
Memorize your PIN number - NEVER write it on the card or nearby.
Don't leave your purse, wallet, or other valuables in your car.
Don't leave your purse in shopping carts or bags while you shop. Keep it close to your body, under a coat, or in an inside pocket.
Never set your purse or wallet down to write a check or sign a receipt. Get out what you need and put it back on your arm or in you pocket.
Make sure that purses and bags are closed and latched.
Don't have your Driver License number or Social Security number printed on your checks.
Check your Credit Report annually with the large credit bureaus.
Never give out personal information to anyone who calls you or sends you an email asking for it.
NO REPUTABLE BUSINESS EVER CALLS OR EMAILS CUSTOMERS TO CONFIRM YOUR ACCOUNT NUMBER, DATE OF BIRTH, OR PASSWORDS.
MOST IMPORTANTLY - BE AWARE OF YOUR SURROUNDINGS AT ALL TIMES. DON'T ALLOW YOURSELF TO BE A VICTIM.
Together, we can reduce crime and help Troy remain the safest city of its size in Michigan in the new year. (and the 12th safest in the Nation)
Sergeant Kowalski
We have recently been experiencing an increase in thefts of purses from offices, cars, etc., including one while the victim shopped and had set her purse on the floor next to her.
In the most recent theft, witnesses observed the suspect before he fled out the door. He is described as a Black Male, mid 30’s, 5’8"-6", 190 lbs, with a moustache and unshaven (a couple of days growth) beard, wearing a black or navy blue knit cap, black or blue pea coat, black or blue warm-up pants with a white stripe on both legs, and tennis shoes. He held his hands in his pockets and it appeared that he was holding the purses under his coat, and he was acting very suspiciously.
The recent thefts have been at retail stores, but it has happened elsewhere. Most frequently, the victim had set the purse down or had it in a shopping cart and either turned or walked away, allowing the thief the opportunity to just pick up the purse and walk away unnoticed.
While the items in your purse have a value of their own as well as sentimental value (pictures, etc.), the thieves are more than likely after your credit cards and personal identification so that they can steal your identity and use your credit.
Please be mindful of this and remind your friends and co-workers to lock their purses out of sight of would-be thieves. If you must leave your purse in an office, you should lock it in a drawer and if the office has public access, lock the office if you leave.
Crime Prevention and Identity Theft Prevention Tips:
Limit the type and amount of personal identification that you carry with you. (There is rarely a need to have your Birth Certificate or Social Security card with you unless you are leaving the country.)
Determine which credit cards and debit cards that you use most frequently and leave the others locked up at home.
Carry debit cards instead of a check book. Most merchants accept them and stolen checks are a common way that identity thieves get information about you.
Memorize your PIN number - NEVER write it on the card or nearby.
Don't leave your purse, wallet, or other valuables in your car.
Don't leave your purse in shopping carts or bags while you shop. Keep it close to your body, under a coat, or in an inside pocket.
Never set your purse or wallet down to write a check or sign a receipt. Get out what you need and put it back on your arm or in you pocket.
Make sure that purses and bags are closed and latched.
Don't have your Driver License number or Social Security number printed on your checks.
Check your Credit Report annually with the large credit bureaus.
Never give out personal information to anyone who calls you or sends you an email asking for it.
NO REPUTABLE BUSINESS EVER CALLS OR EMAILS CUSTOMERS TO CONFIRM YOUR ACCOUNT NUMBER, DATE OF BIRTH, OR PASSWORDS.
MOST IMPORTANTLY - BE AWARE OF YOUR SURROUNDINGS AT ALL TIMES. DON'T ALLOW YOURSELF TO BE A VICTIM.
Together, we can reduce crime and help Troy remain the safest city of its size in Michigan in the new year. (and the 12th safest in the Nation)
Sergeant Kowalski
