A trip to the grocery store or shopping mall could leave you short changed. The Honolulu Police Department posted a community alert on its Facebook page, warning shoppers that thieves are on the prowl, going after your purse, bag and wallet.
"I think it’s scary. I’m glad there is an alert to warn us to be more careful," said shopper Audrey Lee.
"I was thinking, can’t believe it is rally happening over here. I’m always aware with my things; I don’t know why people would do this," Liesyl Mina said, another shopper.
"It something that we see has been happening island wide at different shopping locations and facilities," Captain Andy Lum said, from the Honolulu Police Department.
Victims reported that their personal items were stolen from shopping carts, baby strollers, or when placed on a counter.
"As for identities, we’re not exactly clear on whose doing it, but we notice that a lot of the incidents involve people walking away from their purse, or their bag that’s in a shopping cart or hanging on a stroller," Captain Lum said.
Honolulu Police say it could be as simple as leaving your purse in your shopping cart, turning to the trunk of your car, and then in a matter of seconds turning back and your purse is gone.
"I think because we are so trusting on Hawaii, we don’t realize something can happen, and when it happens it’s really too late," Lee said.
HPD says there have been cases where the thieves will even make a drive-by grab in the parking lot.
Police say in all of these recent theft cases, the shoppers did not keep eye contact with their personal belongings.
"If you can’t maintain a visual on your item make sure that you can touch, have it with you," Captain Lum warned. "It is really a simple step that they can take and it really will cut down significantly whether or not you’re going to be a victim."
The Department could not say if any one area was targeted, but if anyone has information on these or other incidents, call police.
See the original article at: KHON2 Local News
