Barrie police are searching for two suspects after a woman had her purse stolen while shopping at a Bayfield Street grocery store on Sunday afternoon.
City police were notified of the crime on Feb. 18, just before 3:30 p.m.
“They were distracted by an unknown male who was accompanied by a female who assisted with the distraction,” Barrie police communications co-ordinator Peter Leon said in a news release Tuesday afternoon.
Police say the stolen purse contained bank cards, credit cards, cash and a cellphone.
“When the victim realized what had happened, she alerted staff at the store who were able to locate video surveillance of the theft that had just taken place,” said Leon.
The first suspect is described as a Middle Eastern man, with medium brown skin. He was heavy set and in his 40s with short dark hair. The suspect was wearing a white puffy winter coat with a yellow shirt underneath, light grey sweatpants and white shoes with black flecks.
The second suspect is said to be a Middle Eastern woman, with medium brown skin and a medium build. She is in her 40s and has long dark hair. The woman wearing a green shirt, glasses and dark grey sweat pants and grey “Ugg”-style boots.
“The purse was located in a nearby fast-food restaurant washroom a few hours later, but the bank cards, credit cards, Canadian currency, and a mobile phone were missing,” Leon said.
Anyone with information on the identity of the suspects is asked to contact the investigating officer at 705-725-7025, ext. 2763.
Barrie police are warning the public to be cautious of unknown people who approach you while shopping.
“Distraction theft is very common, and often thieves will target unattended purses that are in shopping carts,” Leon said. “Anyone who uses a purse is strongly encouraged to keep it zipped up and on you at all times.
"Also, please remember that these thieves are very quick at what they do, and anyone can be a target of their distraction techniques," he added.
