Police warn shoppers about multiple purse thefts in west-end retail stores

City police are warning shoppers in west Edmonton after more than a dozen reports of purse thefts in recent months.

Since the beginning of September, police have received 16 reports of purse thefts, with the most recent one taking place at a store in the Mayfield area.

On Nov. 19, officers responded to a report of the theft at a store in the area of Stony Plain Road and 168 Street. Police said a woman who was shopping placed her purse inside her shopping basket and shortly after realized it was gone. When the woman then called her bank to cancel her debit card, she learned the suspect had used it at various nearby stores.

Police said similar instances have been reported by shoppers at other stores in the area, with the majority taking place at larger grocery and retail stores along Stony Plain Road and between 149 Street and 185 Street.

In each theft, the suspect waits until the shopper is distracted, takes the purse from the shopping cart or basket and uses the cards or cash at nearby stores, police said.

In total, officers in the west division have responded to 22 similar thefts between Jan. 11 and Nov. 25, with more than $5,700 reported stolen.

Investigators have since identified a person of interest and with the holiday shopping season beginning, police are advising those shopping in this area to be mindful of their possessions and surroundings.

Anyone who has had their purse stolen in a similar manner, or noticed suspicious activity while shopping, is asked to contact police.