Shoppers in Irvine have been targeted in a string of distraction thefts in parking lots, with criminals employing a particularly messy tactic involving condiments. There have been seven reported incidents in the past year where unsuspecting victims had their cars smeared with substances like ketchup as part of a ploy to steal their valuables, according to the Irvine Police Department.
In these cases, the unsuspecting victim is informed by the perpetrator that an unsightly mess has been made on their vehicle. While the victim is lured out to inspect the damage, a second thief swoops in and grabs any accessible personal items left in the car, as per the Irvine Police Department.
The Irvine Police are actively raising awareness to prevent further thefts by offering safety tips to the community. Individuals are encouraged to remain in their locked vehicles when approached by strangers in parking lots and to maintain a vigilant distance. In addition, it's recommended that personal belongings such as purses should be securely fastened and kept close, and never left unattended in a shopping cart. Reporting any suspicious behavior to law enforcement is also encouraged, as timely interventions can prevent these thefts.
