By Detective Sam Hatley
On Tuesday, July 16, 2024, Carson City Sheriff’s Office Detective Ramon Marquez issued a press release to identify a suspect in a purse theft at a Carson City business in June 2024. This suspect has been linked to several purse thefts in Carson City and Northern Nevada. The Carson City Sheriff’s Office continues to investigate these thefts.
A common trait of these purse thefts is the victims leaving their purses in shopping carts and walking away without paying attention to their purses or carts. The purses are often left open, which allows easy access to steal wallets and cell phones.
Purse thieves also work in groups, distracting victims and stealing or reaching inside the purse to steal items. Purse theft happens very quickly, and the suspects are gone before the victims discover the theft. The suspects then use the victim’s credit cards at businesses to buy gift cards and electronics.
Ways to protect yourself: Keep your purses zipped or closed while shopping. This prevents easy access to the purse. Carry or hold your purse while shopping. If you place your purse in a shopping cart, hold onto it. Don’t leave your purse unattended in the cart. If you must walk away from the cart, take your purse.
If you are a victim of purse theft and your bank cards are used, report the incident as soon as possible to your local law enforcement.
Anyone with information, please contact the Carson City Sheriff’s Office, Investigation Division, Detective Sam Hatley (775) 283-7852, Dispatch (775) 887-2007 or Secret Witness at (775) 322-4900.
