Omaha Police is warning of several pickpocketers targeting people in Omaha, Lincoln, Grand Island and parts of Kansas.
According to a release, the suspects target Westroads Mall and an area Panera Bread restaurant and then immediately purchase items at nearby stores like Target, Apple and Best Buy, spending thousands of dollars before the stolen cards are canceled.
OPD gave the following tips on how to not have anything stolen from you while you are eating at a restaurant:
- Carry your purse next to your body, under your arm and with a strap over your opposite shoulder
- After opening your purse be sure to close it up all of the way.
- Never leave your purse unattended
- Make sure wallets and checkbooks are not visible from pockets
- When seated in a restaurant do not set your purse to the outside of a bench seat or hanging on the back of your chair
- Place your purse on your lap at your feet when seated, not directly under your seat
