We all know somebody whose had their wallet, purse or ID stolen. Police in Central New York say it's an ongoing problem, and it's not because the thieves are getting clever. It’s really because we're making it easy for them to rip us off.
Our Christie Casciano was shown how letting your guard down while running simple errands, can put you at risk.
Simple things, such as leaving your purse or wallet on the front seat of your car as your pumping gas, can put you at risk. In one case, thieves in Florida staked out a gas station, waiting for people to do just that. While you’re filling up, they’re driving up to the passenger door, grabbing your personal belongings. (watch video to see how this happens)
Leaving your purse or wallet in the truck of your car as you shop in the store can be risky as well. Just a few weeks ago, we heard about two women breaking into cars in store parking lots in the town of Clay. They were hitting the release button to pop open the trunks of cars to grab purses, and other valuables.
Make sure you take your personal belongings inside when you get home. Manlius police say the victims of stolen credit cards made it very easy for criminals by leaving their wallets, purses and credit cards in their unlocked vehicles in their driveways.
In each case, thieves are not working hard to get your hard earned money and steal your identity.
Our driveways, gas stations, and grocery stores have become hunting grounds for thieves. About the only place your purse, wallet, and id is safe, is on you.
Something to note: if you're planning a trip to Florida, where they've had a lot of cases of thieves sneaking into cars to steal wallets and purses at gas stations. While we haven't seen it here, local police say a good idea to keep your car doors locked, and pay attention to your surroundings when you're pumping gas, or loading groceries into your car.
