Two suspects are wanted for targeting elderly victims in a series of distraction thefts across Southern California.
The men are wanted by the Los Angeles Police Department for coordinated thefts that typically focus on older residents.
The latest incident involved a victim who was shopping at a store on the 1600 block of West 25th Street in San Pedro.
The pair surrounds their victim typically at the checkout line. One suspect will watch as the victim enters their PIN on the keypad. He will suddenly drop some cash on the ground and ask the victim to help pick it up.
Police are searching for two male suspects wanted for targeting elderly victims in Southern California using distraction thefts in an attempt to steal their debit cards. (Los Angeles Police Dedpartment)
The suspects will coordinate and typically target their victims at a store checkout line. (Los Angeles Police Dedpartment)
As the victim bends down to retrieve the money, a second suspect will approach in an attempt to distract the victim while quickly taking the unattended debit card.
If they fail to grab the card, they will follow the victim into the parking lot and somehow convince the victim to bring out their debit card before quickly stealing it.
Within minutes, the thieves will go to a nearby bank and conduct several ATM withdrawals using the stolen card.
LAPD detectives have released surveillance images of the two male suspects wanted for the distraction thefts.
Anyone who recognizes the men or has information on the case is asked to call LAPD Detective Franssen at 213-486-5947. During non-business hours or on weekends, calls can be directed to 1-877-527-3247.
Anonymous tips can be provided to L.A. Regional Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or online at lacrimestoppers.org. Tipsters can also go to lapdonline.org and click on “Anonymous Web Tips.”
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