GASTONIA, N.C. (WBTV) – The Gastonia Police Department is warning shoppers of an alleged coordinated effort between three men to steal wallets from people who are distracted.

On Tuesday police shared surveillance video from inside a Gastonia Publix, showing one of the men grabbing a woman’s wallet from her purse while she had her back turned.

Her purse was sitting on her shopping cart.

The victim, Julie Richardson, told WBTV, she didn’t notice her wallet was missing until she was at the register. By then, the suspects had already spent nearly $3,000 on gift cards at a nearby Home Depot.

“I feel like that’s a safe store, I never felt like anyone was acting suspicious in there,” Richardson said.

Officers said the crime happened on Sept. 8 at the Publix on Hoffman Road. Surveillance video showed a man in a blue hoodie watch Richardson, while another man in a hat and medical mask lifted her wallet from her purse. Richardson only had her back turned briefly. A third suspect, according to police, wasn’t visible on camera.

Richardson wanted to raise awareness about the crime, hopeful it won’t happen to anyone else.

“Keep your purse closed, I did not have it, I don’t think zipped up,” Richardson said. “Wear it if you have to because I know they can still come and unzip it if you’re not looking and just be aware, but keep it close to you.”

Detectives with the Gastonia Police Department warn the public:

• Don’t become an easy target; Always zip your purse/pocketbook.
• Never turn away leaving your belongings out of sight or unprotected; Be aware of who is around you and take note of people lingering near you.
• Minimize how much cash you carry in your wallet/purse.

As for Richardson, she has managed to replace her stolen cards, however the whole ordeal has been an inconvenience.

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