Horn Lake, MS—
FAST FACTS:
- Wallet stolen at Horn Lake Chuck E Cheese December 18th
- Video shows suspects, and theft
- Police say they may have struck from Brighton, TN all the way to Mississippi
Dennis.turner@wreg.com
(Horn Lake, MS 12/22/09) There are new developments in the case of a theft at a busy restaurant.
It happened last week at the Chuck E. Cheese in Horn Lake.
Police released the surveillance video, and some surprising new information.
Despite not knowing the identity of the suspects in this theft, Horn Lake police say they've made significant progress in this case.
For instance they've learned these thieves may have several victims scattered across the mid-south.
Police say they apparently look for busy, crowded places, and distracted mothers.
The two women scan the area, then one comes over to keep an eye on the table.
Eventually she motions to her friend who walks over and then ducks under the table.
She apparently comes up with the purse, they seem to both go through it, until they pluck the wallet from inside and casually walk away with it.
The victim, Tabitha Stacks hopes this looks familiar to many people, because she's learned she's probably one of many victims. "Any comfort in knowing you're not the only victim?" "Absolutely not. It's an awful, awful thing. I know they've probably victimized other families. I know they probably make their living this way." said Stacks.
Horn Lake detectives say after the story aired on News Channel 3, they've learned these woman may have repeated this kind of theft, for miles around.
"Officers as far as Brighton, Tennessee have called us. A lady from Frayser has called us."
Police say it's more likely now than ever that they'll catch these women on this surveillance video from the restaurant's door, to the tables, even down to the parking lot. It's all about greed. They'll keep going and they'll keep stealing until sooner or later, we'll catch 'em and hopefully put 'em away for a long time." said Evans.
Stacks believes the more victims, the more potential witnesses, and the chance to catch the crooks. "I really hope that if other people have been victimized that they'll come forward because we can probably catch these people and keep 'em from doing it again." she explained.
These women may have hit numerous times, in numerous places in a near one hundred mile radius.
If you see the video and recognize these women, or have experienced a similar theft, call DeSoto Crime Stoppers at 662-429-TIPS.
