Women Targeted By Thieves While Visiting Cemetery

Tuesday, May 29th 2007, 4:27 pm

By: News On 6

A woman had her purse stolen while she was visiting a cemetery over Memorial Day weekend. It was locked inside a car and she was only a few feet away, yet none of that stopped the thieves. News On 6 crime reporter Lori Fullbright reports this is just proof that a purse isn't safe anywhere.

Sherri Lee and a friend were at the Green Hill Cemetery in Sapulpa early Thursday evening. They'd visited some graves, family and friends, then went to a mausoleum. They noticed a couple of men parked next to her friend's car. The men struck them as odd, but not necessarily suspicious, so the women walked inside the chapel.

"Probably within 30 seconds, a man came running in. He said, â€˜Your vehicle was broken into.â€™ My friend ran out and said â€˜Your purse is stolen.â€™ We could see them leaving through the cemetery," said Lee.

The men had broken the driver's side window and in addition to the purse, had taken her friend's cell phone. The silver Dodge Durango was too far away to get a tag number.

"I can't believe somebody would come to a cemetery, a place of grief, and target people at a cemetery,â€ Lee said. â€œIt's mind boggling."

The men went to a Sapulpa bank ATM almost immediately and withdrew $250 from Leeâ€™s account. One of the suspects was caught on the bank surveillance. Lee wants him caught and wants to warn others.

"I would tell every female, I don't care how much time you're spending outside your vehicle, you can't trust anybody. It happens that quick," said Lee.

Police say this is a growing trend, because cemeteries are places people feel comfortable leaving their purse behind, because they'll be close by and only plan to be gone a moment.

Anyone with information about this case can call Crimestoppers at 596-COPS. The tip that helps police make an arrest will earn up to a $1,000 reward.

Leeâ€™s advice is good, not just at cemeteries, but at swimming pools, ballgames, amusement parks. Don't leave your purse in the car, even tucked under a seat. Women shouldn't put them in the trunk either. Most cars have a trunk latch inside, so the thieves will break a window, flip the latch and take off with your purse.

For more safety tips from Lori Fullbright, click here.

Watch the video: Thieves Target Cemetery Visitors