Police have arrested two women following a spate of thefts in the Adelaide Hills and throughout metropolitan Adelaide.
About 3.30pm on Wednesday 23 January, police received reports of a blue Holden Astra driving erratically on the South Eastern Freeway near Mount Barker.
Police patrols searched the area and found the car parked in a rear carpark of the Mount Barker shopping centre. Officers entered the shopping centre and located two women in one of the supermarkets, believed to be the occupants of the car.
The two women were identified as being wanted for several purse thefts earlier this week throughout the Adelaide Hills.
While at the shopping centre, police were approached by members of the public reporting that their purses and handbags had just been stolen as they were shopping.
The two women were searched and credit cards and other identification were found in possession of both women which police will allege were stolen. Police also searched their car and found more property including stolen credit cards which were subsequently seized.
Police will allege that the two women were involved in a large number of other similar thefts and fraudulent use of stolen credit card incidents across the metropolitan area. In the majority of these incidents, purses and handbags were stolen from trolleys while the victims were shopping.
Investigations are continuing.
The two women from Taperoo, aged 50 and 53, were charged with multiple counts of theft and unlawful possession. Both women were refused police bail and are expected to appear in the Mount Barker Magistrates Court today.
Police are urging anyone who has had their purse or handbag stolen while shopping to report the incident.
Anyone with information on these incidents or has any other information that may assist the investigation is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or online at https://crimestopperssa.com.au/
Police are urging members of the public to be vigilant with their personal property and offer the following tips -
· Don't carry large amounts of money and never display how much money you have in your wallet or purse.
· Keep your bag, wallet and mobile phone where you can see them at all times and don't leave them unattended. When shopping use the child safety harness to help secure your handbag to the trolley.
· Carry your bag securely on the side furthest from the road. Never let the strap hang loosely.
· Shoulder strapped bags should be worn across your body. If someone attempts to grab your bag, it is best to let go, to avoid injury.
· Secure your bag in your car before loading or unloading your shopping.
