For Immediate Release
| PR #: | 1900102 |
| Date Issued: | Oct 03, 2019 - 8:33am |
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Sheriff's Office asks for help identifying suspect in vehicle burglary/credit card fraud investigation |
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| CONTACT: | Bob Harmon Washoe County Sheriff's Office Office 775-785-6235 Cell 775-722-5517 |
Washoe County Sheriff's Office Detectives are asking for help identifying a woman suspected of using credit cards stolen from a vehicle parked at Bowers Mansion Regional Park in Washoe Valley in late June.
The theft occurred sometime on June 31, 2019. The suspect, or suspects, smashed the victim's window in order to steal the purse and its contents, including several credit/debit cards.
The stolen cards were later used to make purchases at the WalMart in south Reno. Detectives obtained surveillance photos of a female suspect from the store and are attempting to identify the woman.
A surveillance photo is attached to this press release. Anyone with information is asked to contact the Washoe County Sheriff's Office Detective Division at (775) 328-3320 or Secret Witness at (775) 322-4900. Refer to case #WC19-4013.
Even during the winter months, vehicle burglaries are common in our region's parks, trailheads, and other recreational areas. The Washoe County Sheriff's Office urges residents to take steps that help to reduce the possibility of becoming a victim:
- Don't leave valuables in the car. If you don't need to take valuables with you for an outing, leave them safely at home. If valuables must be left in a vehicle, be sure to lock them in the trunk or glove compartment not under jackets or blankets behind the seat as that is one of the first places criminals look
- Leave no trace. Don't leave any sign that there might be valuables hidden in a vehicle by leaving items such as docking stations or connector cables visible. Leave nothing in plain sight that might make the vehicle a target for thieves, not even loose coins
- Be sure to set the car alarm or anti-theft devices. These are still effective deterrents against criminals who are looking for the easiest target
- Keep windows completely closed. Partially open windows may make your vehicle an easier target for thieves
- Lock the door when leaving the car. Still one of the most common issues with vehicle burglaries
The Washoe County Sheriff's Office is dedicated to preserving a safe and secure community with professionalism, respect, integrity and the highest commitment to equality. Sheriff Darin Balaam is the 27th person elected to serve as the Sheriff of Washoe County since the Office was created in 1861. The Washoe County Sheriff's Office strives to ensure public safety by building trust and creating partnerships within the diverse communities in which we serve. We will promote the dignity of all people supported by our words and actions through open communication while fostering an environment of professionalism, integrity and mutual respect.