First comes the distraction. “I don’t have my glasses — could you help me read this label?” a fellow shopper asks.
Or someone outside a store suddenly drops to the ground, asking for help to find a contact lens.
A short time later, the good citizen who tried to help discovers his wallet is missing, but by then his credit cards have already been used.
Pickpockets have been active in Potomac and Bethesda, prompting the police to issue a warning.
The most recent incidents in Potomac have been at the Cabin John Shopping Center, according Derek Baliles, of the Montgomery County Police. The most recent Potomac incidents occurred at 4 p.m. on Aug. 29 outside a bank, at 4:45 p.m. on Sept. 14 in a drug store and at 7:15 p.m. on Sept. 21 outside a restaurant, at the shopping center.
The thieves are efficient, using the credit cards immediately, Baliles said.
Since the beginning of September, there have been nine incidents in Potomac and Bethesda involving adults, many of them senior citizens, who have reported being pickpocketed. These incidents have occurred at grocery stores, drug stores and restaurants on Thursday, Friday and Saturday, in the late afternoon or early evening hours.
Some of the victims have been bumped or distracted by one suspect while one or two other people working together took the wallet, according to police. In three of the incidents, the suspects claimed to have dropped their contact lens or would intentionally drop keys in front of the victim. When the victim looked down, one suspect would further distract him while the second suspect took the victim’s wallet. In another incident, the suspect followed an 85-year-old man out into the parking lot and told the victim that someone inside the store wanted to see him.
Investigators say that these incidents may be related to other pickpocketing thefts that have been occurring across the county and in Virginia since the beginning of the year. Here, in Montgomery County, a total of 27 incidents have been reported to police from various locations, including commercial businesses, health care facilities, a senior residence apartment building and a senior adult center.
The most recent victims have described up to three suspects involved in these thefts. The first suspect was described as a black male, 35-40 years old, 6-foot to 6-foot-2 , with a thin build and a “weather-beaten face.” The second suspect was described as a black male, 35-40 years old, 5-foot-7 to 5-foot-10, with a thin build. The third suspect is described as a Hispanic male, 25-28 years old, 5-foot-8, and weighing 185 pounds.
Store security cameras have provided photos of the first and second suspects. Investigators are hoping for pictures of the suspects actually using stolen credit cards.
Police offer several tips to avoid being a victim of pickpockets. In a public place, shoppers should not permit a stranger to move into personal space without permission. In a crowd, be aware of valuables and suspicious of the distraction technique of bumps and jostles, or requests of detailed help that will divert attention. Never flash money in public and try not to reveal where it is kept.
Women are advised to keep purses tucked under an arm or allowing it hang in front of rather than behind. Keep the bag closed properly and if it has a flap, wear the flap against your body. Never hang a purse on the back of your chair in a public place, but keep it on your lap or tuck the strap under a thigh. Wallets should be placed at the bottom of the purse. When shopping with a grocery cart, shoppers should keep purse and wallet on their person rather than leaving it in the cart.
Men should keep their wallets in the tightest pocket and button the pocket if it has a button. Turning the wallet sideways or wrapping it with a rubber band may make it more difficult for a thief to remove. Keeping the wallet in loose or gaping front pants pockets makes it easy for a thief to remove. Fanny packs are a safe alternative if you secure the zippers with a safety pin or a paperclip, since zippers are easily opened by practiced thieves.
Anyone who was a recent pickpocket victim, but has not yet reported it, to call the Montgomery County Police non-emergency number of 301-279-8000.