COWLEY COUNTY — Law enforcement authorities are investigating alleged theft at several stores in Kansas and asking the public to help identify suspects.
On April 30, an Arkansas City resident reported the theft of a wallet from her purse while shopping at Dillons, 425 N. Summit Street in Arkansas City, according to police.
A short time later, the victim’s credit card allegedly was used to make a large purchase of gift cards and clothing at Walmart, 2701 N. Summit Street.
Investigators were able to recover video surveillance footage. However, the images show three suspects wearing masks and hats in Dillons. Two of the three suspects also appear on surveillance footage from Walmart, with masks, which makes identifying the suspects difficult.
Police learned Tuesday that the Arkansas City suspects possibly were captured on video in two separate stores in Wichita, committing the same crimes during the prior weekend.
The video surveillance from a grocery store in Wichita shows the three suspects allegedly looking into shopping carts, identifying open purses and removing wallets. Credit cards stolen in this fashion were used later at another retail outlet to purchase gift cards.
The two male suspects look similar and police suspect they could be related. They appear to be in their 40s and may be between 5-foot-8 to 6 feet tall, each weighing between 230 and 260 pounds.
The female suspect appears to be in her late 50s or 60s and is shorter, possibly 5-foot-2 to 5-foot-6, weighing 190 to 220 pounds. The suspects may be traveling in a newer gray or silver sport utility vehicle.
Anyone with information about the identity or whereabouts of any of these suspects should immediately contact the Arkansas City Police Department at (620) 441-4444.
Those wishing to remain anonymous also may contact Cowley County Crime Stoppers, which offers rewards of up to $2,500 for information leading to an arrest.
Call (620) 442-7777 in Arkansas City or (620) 221-7777 in Winfield, or visit www.tipsubmit.com or accs.crimestoppersweb.com to make an anonymous report.
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