News

Scott Township police reminding women not to leave purses unattended

SCOTT TOWNSHIP, Pa. — Police in Scott Township are urging women to keep their purses with them while shopping to discourage thefts.

The reminder comes after a woman told police that she saw a lot of purses and wallets left unattended in carts while she was shopping in Scott Township.

“Be diligent with keeping your purse closed. Don't make it accessible to people. Have it within your grasp at all times,” Scott Township police Sgt. Jeff Skees said.

The following message was posted Thursday morning on the department's Facebook page:

“Awareness Advisory: When you're shopping (Walmart, Shop'n Save, Lowes, etc etc...) do you safeguard your purse ladies? We've had a few incidents of purse grabs or wallet grabs out of purses from shoppers who wander from their carts and leave their purses unmonitored. You may think this doesn't apply to you, but next time you're in the store, pay close attention to how far you let yourself wander from your purse. Some of you will be surprised!”

Scott Township police said there has not been an increase in purse thefts, but Channel 11 News learned that they have taken 15 fraud reports in the last month and a half. Skees said most have been credit card thefts, and the cases are hard to investigate.

“We're finding more and more that the owner of the card has the card in their possession and the card is compromised,” Skees said.

He said the credit card numbers were likely stolen, possibly by someone who took a picture of the card.

It is suggested that people check their accounts daily so that any suspicious activity can be reported immediately.