Police ask for help identifying suspects accused of stealing wallets in Merced

The Merced Police Department is asking for the public’s help identifying suspects accused of stealing wallets at multiple local retail stores.

According to police, the two women have targeted several victims by stealing wallets from shopping carts that are left unattended.

According to Sgt. Tony Aponte, police began receiving reports of the wallet thefts on Sunday and a total of five thefts have been reported.

Aponte said the victims were targeted while shopping at Joann Fabric and Craft, Save Mart and Raley’s.

According to police, one of the suspects will use casual conversation to distract victims as the other suspect steals a wallet from the victim’s purse.

Shortly after the theft, the suspects went to Walgreens and Rite Aid locations to make unauthorized purchases with credit cards stolen from the victim, according to Aponte.

Police ask that anyone able to identify the female suspects to contact Officer Zazueta at 209-769-5482 or Officer Farmer at 209-769-6742.

According to police, holiday shoppers should be aware of their surroundings while shopping at retail stores during this time of year.