Shoppers at Crescenta Valley are on high alert as purse thieves are working the area, sneaking wallets and credit cards out of unattended bags with increasing frequency. Crescenta Valley Station is casting a spotlight on the trend, calling for locals to be extra vigilant with their personal items. Authorities say the crooks are exploiting moments of distraction to help themselves to the contents of purses left in shopping carts or dangling off the backs of chairs, right under the noses of unsuspecting victims.

The station's warning emphasizes a straightforward yet often-ignored rule; never leave your purse open or unattended because despite the fact that victims believe a sense of security in the direct proximity to their treasured possessions, the suspects' deft fingers ensure they're none the wiser until long after the deed is done. Tips for keeping one's purse under constant watch include maintaining it within immediate control and keeping its contents out of easy reach, strategies, that while self-evident, are easy forgotten in the chaos of daily errands.

The station urges anyone who catches a hint of suspicious behavior to speak up; those valuable seconds could mean the difference between a secure wallet and a stolen identity. Crescenta Valley Station can be reached at 818-248-3464 for non-emergencies, but in cases where time is of the essence, dialing 911 gets the immediate response such situations warrant.