Police issue warning about distractions used to steal wallets from shoppers

NORTH HUNTINGDON, Pa. — North Huntingdon police are asking women to be on the lookout for possible attempts to distract them and steal what’s inside their wallets while they’re shopping.

In recent weeks, unsuspecting shoppers who placed their purses in shopping carts have been targeted by thieves.

“You feel violated for sure and it’s upsetting. I’m angry right now. I don’t want it to happen to anyone else,” said Jean Halza of North Huntingdon.

Halza was inside the Giant Eagle when someone approached her for help.

“Somebody came up behind me, and my purse was in the kiddy seat. I usually have my hand on it, but the person asked for help reading a label or ingredients,” she said.

In that short amount of time, someone else reached into Halza’s purse.

“I went to the self-checkout and opened my purse. My wallet was gone along with my checkbook, identification, everything,” said Halza.

Police say the duo used Halza’s cards at the Walmart in North Versailles to buy more than $3,000 worth of gift cards.

Another distraction-type theft happened earlier in February at the Walmart in North Huntingdon.

While the motive was the same, the suspects were different.

Police say it’s possible they’re connected to a larger theft ring.

Halza is hoping others can learn from her experience.

“I recommend in this time to still help people, just have your hand on your purse or have your wallet on your body, and that would prevent a lot of things,” Halza said.

Sending cash with an app means you can lose that money just as quickly