A Snellville Kroger has a creeper — and a brazen one at that.
The grocery’s video captured a man — who so far has eluded police — picking a wallet from the purse of a shopper whose back was turned in a aisle.
“I am sure this isn’t the first time the guy has done that,” said Det. Laura Steele of the city police.
In other words, shoppers beware. The video showed a cool and competent thief.
Steele has posted the video on the Snellville Police website and others, hoping someone can identify the creeper. Creepers are thieves who normally prowl office buildings, hospitals and other establishments looking for wallets, jewelry, iPhones and laptops to steal.
This was the first one Steele knew of hitting a retail establishment in Snellville, a community in southeast Gwinnett, known for its cantankerous city government but not so much for crime.
The victim wasn’t aware her wallet had been missing until she went to pay — and she wasn’t sure it was stolen until she learned her credit cards had been used within 30 minutes at several stores and restaurants at the Shoppes at Webb Gin.
Store cameras showed the thief tracking the victim through the store until opportunity struck, Steele said. The cameras also showed him getting in a white SUV, which was parked too far away to identify its make, Steele said.
“This kind of theft may happen more often and we just don’t know,” said Steele who hopes to stifle any trend. “At least we can warn people to be a little more cautious with their belongings and be more aware of their surroundings.”
About the Author
