Dozens of women in Camden and Gloucester counties have fallen victim to a band of purse-snatching thieves and police are asking people to be more aware of their surroundings especially when shopping alone.
The thieves have been praying on people at shopping centers in Gloucester Township and Washington Township, police tell NBC10.
The most recent incident happened in broad daylight Friday outside Wal-Mart in Washington Township. Surveillance video captured a man followed the shopper to her car and grabbed her purse out of her cart as she was putting purchases into her trunk.
Police were able to capture the alleged crook, identified as 25-year-old Joe White, and arrest him. Two other people have been arrested, but police say there are multiple groups of thieves taking part in the ring.
"You can see three to four in a car at time and as soon as they get to a shopping center, two get out and they are on the hunt," said Capt. Steve Rolando with Washington Township Police.
Authorities have officers working undercover to catch the other ring participants. In the meantime though, police are asking shoppers keep a close watch on their belongings.
