Police seek two women who distracted shopper, stole her wallet in Fernandina Beach

Police in Nassau County say two women distracted a shopper and then stole her wallet.

Friendly faces and holiday cheer can be a ruse in disguise.

“You don’t think about it that that’s going to happen; you’re just shopping,” said Lynn Dixon, a shopper.

Police in Fernandina Beach are looking for two women who they said distracted a shopper and took her wallet.

Officers said while the woman was shopping at a furniture store, the two women approached her and started chatting it up.

“You talk to everybody, you speak friendly, you speak back and don’t think anything of it,” said Dixon.

During their conversation, the woman put her purse down, and one of the crooks lifted her wallet. Within hours, the thieves went on a shopping binge – charging hundreds of dollars on her credit cards.

“It’s the holidays and it do happen, so be aware,” said Vivian Perry, a shopper.

“The bad guys are out there, they’re always, they know, there’s always more people out there during the holidays,” said Captain John Ansett, Nassau County Sheriff’s Office.

Investigators said crimes like these are on the rise, and the holidays are when people are most vulnerable.

“They have so much on their minds shopping, wanting to look for stuff,” said Ansett.

Some shoppers said they never let go of their purse. Other said it’s best to just ditch it all together.

“I don’t take my purse. I always have my phone case with my card in it, right in my hand, never let it down,” said Perry.

Police said it’s a reminder: When you’re approached by someone who seems nice, you still can’t let your guard down.

Cox Media Group