NORWOOD, Ohio - Police say a pair of thieves stole a wallet from a purse hanging on a restaurant chair and rang up $2,900 in purchases on the victim's credit card.
It's a warning for all women to keep a close watch on valuables, especially because thieves are out in force during the holiday season.
As police track down the suspects, WCPO has some rules to follow so you don't become an easy target.
While police warn to keep items in the trunk, you may not be thinking about your purse hanging on the back of your chair.
Norwood police says the man in the photo is reaching back and taking a wallet right out of a woman's purse. The crime happened at Betta's Italian Oven on Montgomery Road.
"In this case, the victim was sitting with her back to them as they walked in and her purse is strung over the chair she's sitting in," said Lt. Ron Murphy. "They take a table right next to them and within seconds the male subject begins to reach into her purse very casually and removes her wallet."
Police are warning that with so many more people out this holiday season than normal it creates more opportunity for crime.
"We just want people to just be more vigilant so if it's putting a purse in a chair in between to people so it is not behind, it's not out of your sight line, to not even taking a purse. Maybe if you know you're going to go out just take a little wallet or a clutch that you can string around your wrist."
If you have any information, call Crime Toppers at 513-352-3040.
Police advise you take a little extra care to protect your purse and your property. Theft does increase during the holiday season - whether you're shopping or grabbing a bite to eat.
Follow these tips:
> Carry a purse under your arm -- and keep your wallet inside a jacket pocket.
> Never leave your purse unattended in a shopping cart.
> If you're shopping, remove all valuables from your car.
> If your wallet is stolen, file a police report and cancel each credit card.
