Police investigating case involving suspected ‘traveling theft group’

IDAHO FALLS — Police are investigating a expansive theft lawsuit involving 2 suspects and informing group of a reasonably communal ruse. 

The theft of a debit paper happened astatine WinCo successful Pocatello. The suspects brought nan paper to Idaho Falls and made respective purchases, according to Idaho Falls Police Department spokeswoman Jessica Clements. 

The incident happened connected July 19. A female went shopping, and erstwhile she checked retired of nan market store, 1 of nan suspects was capable to look complete her shoulder. During this time, she put successful her debit card’s PIN number, according to an IFPD Facebook post.

She past went to put her groceries into her car. One of nan suspects approached her and started a conversation.

“In this ruse, nan speech is usually thing elemental for illustration asking for directions,” Idaho Falls Police said.

While this fishy distracted nan unfortunate and sewage her to move her backmost to her vehicle, nan different fishy opened a doorway and took her debit paper from her wallet. 

Both suspects near and later met to return nan debit paper connected a “shopping spree.”

Police learned nan 2 suspects person been spotted doing this successful respective states and apt beryllium to a “traveling theft group.” 

Investigators punctual nan nationalist to:

• Be mindful of who is astir you erstwhile you are astatine nan constituent of waste and entering your PIN numbers. Use your manus and assemblage to artifact nan position of others astir you.
• If you put your wallet aliases purse successful your vehicle, instantly fastener nan doors. 
• While it’s ever awesome to beryllium benignant and bully neighbors, if personification approaches you successful a parking lot, beryllium wary of what could beryllium happening down you while you are distracted.

It’s unclear really overmuch was spent connected nan debit card, but Clements told EastIdahoNews.com that nan theft of a financial transaction paper is simply a felony. 

If anyone knows nan suspects’ identities, interaction nan Idaho Falls Police Department astatine (208) 529-1200 and reference lawsuit number 2024-26826.

“If you do announcement your debit aliases in installments cards are missing, frost nan cards to forestall unauthorized usage while you are looking for them,” IFPD said. “If you can’t find them, study them arsenic mislaid aliases stolen and watch your relationship for unauthorized transactions.”