Maple Grove Police Warn Shoppers of Distracted Theft
Maple Grove Police warn shoppers to keep an eye on your valuables this holiday season. They say thieves could be preying on your good intentions.
Distracted theft usually involves one person distracting a victim, while another helps themselves to a victim’s unattended belongings. Senior citizens are often targeted because police say they may be more trusting of strangers and less likely to engage in a physical altercation.
Generally, police say the thieves are well-dressed and well-spoken. Maple Grove police say this type of crime happens occasionally at retail stores.
“Watch for the people around you that are getting close to you. Also be aware that you’re leaving your valuables close to you either on your person, to carry it on you and not place it into the shopping cart and make sure its zipped closed,” said Maple Grove police Cmdr. Jon Wetternach.
Police also recommend carrying with you only the credit or debit cards that you plan to use.
Maple Grove police work with local merchants to help combat retail crime. That includes eventually putting up a trailer camera in areas of large shopping traffic.
