The Christiansburg Police Department is seeking the public’s assistance in identifying three individuals believed to be involved in multiple incidents of credit card theft and fraud in both Christiansburg and Roanoke.
The suspects, believed to be two males and one female, are targeting victims in busy stores and restaurants, taking advantage of the distractions created by the crowds to remove victims’ wallets from their purses. They then take credit and debit cards from the wallets and replace the wallets in the purses so the victims often do not realize what has happened until they are notified of fraudulent charges well after the incident.
The suspects have been using the stolen cards to purchase merchandise and gift cards. The incidents of credit card theft in Christiansburg have occurred in the Spradlin Farm Shopping Center and New River Valley Mall areas.
Anyone with information about the identity of these individuals pictured is asked to contact Detective Gunter of the Christiansburg Police Department at 540-382-3131, ext. 318.
As a reminder, police advise people to keep a close watch on their personal belongings when in public places. Also, avoid hanging purses on the back of chairs or laying them in your shopping card as items can be removed in a matter of seconds.