CLARKSVILLE, Tenn. (CLARKSVILLENOW) – The Clarksville Police Department (CPD) wants the public to be aware of their surroundings and keep their belongings safe.
In the last week, at least 10 shoppers in Clarksville have been the victims of purse or wallet thefts.
“The scenario occurred pretty much the same way for each of the shoppers,” CPD spokesman Jim Knoll said. “People were shopping in various stores throughout the city, and at some point, a thief either waited for an opportunity to either remove a wallet or the whole purse from a shopping cart or buggy.”
Knoll said that for the most part, the victims were unaware anything had been taken until they were in the checkout line and ready to pay. In one incident, a parent was alerted to a thief when her children, standing near the shopping cart, started screaming after someone took her wallet.
The victim started yelling for the thief to stop, but she dropped the wallet and fled out the door.
In total, approximately $700 in cash, $300 in property, 18 credit/debit cards, and numerous forms of identification were taken. There was one incident where an attempt was made to utilize one of the stolen credit cards.
“Shoppers need to be aware, thieves are out there looking for targets of opportunity,” Knoll said. He offered the following safety tips:
Be aware of your surroundings. Don’t leave anything in a shopping cart you don’t want taken.
Don’t leave your wallet or purse unattended. It only takes a second for someone to steal and go.
Keep only essential items or documents in your wallet or purse.
If your purse or wallet are stolen with any sort of credit/debit card report it immediately to your financial institution.