Cpl. Bart Veal

Public Information Officer

903-798-3187 (office) 903-798-2368 (pager)

903-824-4199 (cell) 903-798-3023 (fax)

Texarkana Arkansas Police Badge

Re: Recent Thefts from Purses in Texarkana

The Texarkana Arkansas Police Department is investigating two recent accounts of a type of “pick pocketing.”

The first account occurred on Thursday 03/17/05 during the noon hours. A female shopper at the Wal-Mart Super center in Texas was walking through the store when a white female accompanied by two black males bumped into the victim. The suspect excused herself and walked away with the two men. When the victim was ready to check out she learned that her credit card, which was lying in her open purse was missing. Further investigation revealed that a black male had used her card at the Arkansas Wal-Mart Super Center while she was shopping at the Texas Wal-Mart.

The second account occurred on Saturday 03/19/05 at 10:00am. A 21 year-old female was walking in the Arkansas Wal-Mart when a black male bumped into her. When the victim arrived to checkout she realized that her wallet was missing from her purse. The wallet was in the top of her opened purse. Investigations revealed that the suspect had immediately left the store and used her credit cards at surrounding convenient stores.

There are key similarities of opportunity for the suspects in these cases that can be avoided. Always keep your purse close and zipped or tied closed. Shop with someone if possible. Avoid contact with strangers and most importantly be aware of your surroundings and if you see someone lurking around a retail store call security.

You can find more helpful tips at http://www.txkusa.org/arkpolice.