The Texarkana, Texas Police Department is reminding us to always be aware of our surroundings and to keep our wallets and handbags close as there has been an increase in stolen debit and credit cards in our area. 

According to their Facebook page:

We'd like to remind everyone to be mindful of leaving their purses and wallets unattended in shopping carts and at their workplaces..In the last few months we have had a surge in fraud stemming from victims who had their debit-credit cards stolen.

In some cases, criminals are working in small groups to distract employees of retail outlets, then gain access to back rooms or offices where purses or wallets may be kept in a drawer or under a desk. In other cases customers are distracted while shopping which allows the accomplice to grab the wallet from an open, unattended purse in a shopping cart.

The police department urges citizens to secure their wallets or keep them on their person while at work. Carry only the debit/credit cards that you need to and never carry your social security card.

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