Gig Harbor Police looking for suspects in fraud case
Posted by admin on July 2nd, 2009
Two women have stolen purses and wallets from four Gig Harbor businesses in the past two weeks, racking up more than $2,000 in fraudulent credit card purchases and check cashing, a Gig Harbor Police detective said.
Det. Mike Cabacungan said the white women targeted an Olympic Drive home furnishing business on June 18 and three businesses June 26.
The style of theft is similar in each crime. Both suspects go into a store, draw attention loudly and gauge how many employees work there, Cabacungan said. While one suspect engages a store employee, the other suspect says she has to use the restroom. She then proceeds to the back and snatches purses and wallets.
After the thefts, the two suspects reportedly have been using banks along the Interstate 5 corridor to write fraudulent checks into fake accounts, then withdrawing money. Credit cards also have been used to purchase gas, Cabacungan said.
Eyewitness accounts and video surveillance have helped police release a description of the suspects. One woman is thought to be in her late 20s or early 30s, about 5-feet-10 and 190 pounds. She has dirty blond hair, a pale complexion and has been seen carrying a large purse. The other suspect is about 20 years old with dark dirty blond hair and a tattoo on her shoulder or neck.
They may be sisters, Cabacungan said. The suspects have been seen driving a newer-model Dodge Caliber and a blue sedan.
Anyone with information about the suspects is encouraged to call the Gig Harbor Police Department at 253-851-2236.
For more on this story, read the July 8 print edition of The Peninsula Gateway.