Austin police are asking for the public’s help to track down a woman they say is tied to a wallet-theft and fraud spree that has drained more than $70,000 from unsuspecting shoppers. Detectives have released surveillance stills of the woman, a man described as a person of interest, and what investigators believe is a white Mazda SUV connected to the crimes. The incidents all unfolded while victims were out shopping, and so far, no arrests have been made.
According to the Austin American-Statesman, police say the woman’s activity is linked to two incidents in February, including a wallet theft at the Randalls on Balcones Drive. Investigators say that one theft alone led to more than $50,000 in fraudulent withdrawals and purchases, triggering a wider investigation that now stretches across multiple banks and national retailers.
In a press release from the Austin Police Department, detectives said the Feb. 23 case involved the suspect using a fictitious ID and other stolen information to impersonate a victim and “successfully withdrew more than $20,000” from several banks. Those banks included two Frost Bank branches in Austin and nearby West Lake Hills. The release notes case number 26-9005608 and lists the locations tied to the investigation.
Surveillance Stills and Person of Interest
Authorities released images of the woman, a second person of interest, and the suspected getaway vehicle, which local reporting describes as a white Mazda SUV, according to the Austin American-Statesman. Police told the outlet the man is a white male in his 30s or 40s with a heavy build, and investigators say the images were pulled from surveillance footage at stores and nearby banks where the fraudulent transactions allegedly took place.
Detectives are also using the case to remind shoppers to tighten up their routines: keep purses zipped, avoid leaving bags sitting in shopping carts, and keep personal items where you can see them. Officials note that thieves often work in pairs, with one suspect distracting the shopper while the other quietly lifts a wallet from a purse or cart, then races to banks and retailers before the victim realizes anything is missing. Anyone who spots suspicious behavior in a store is urged to alert employees or call the police right away.
Anyone with information about the suspects or the vehicle is asked to call Capital Area Crime Stoppers at 512-472-8477 or submit an anonymous tip through Capital Area Crime Stoppers. A reward of up to $1,000 may be available for information that leads to an arrest. Detectives are also asking anyone with home or business surveillance cameras to review footage from mid- to late February and contact investigators if anything looks connected to the case.
