Brookfield police issue warning about theft ring targeting elderly women

The City of Brookfield Police Department is asking for the public's help in finding suspects in a possible theft ring in the area.

In a crime alert issued by the department last week, police officials said elderly women are being targeted by multiple white men, ranging in age from about 40 to about 65, with heavy Eastern European accents.

One man distracts the victim by asking a question while the other removes the wallet from the victim's purse.

Several women had their purses or wallets stolen this month.

According to the alert:

On Nov. 16, a woman's wallet was taken while she shopped at Piggly Wiggly, 2315 N. 124th St. Police say two men distracted the woman, asking her questions, and another man took the wallet from her purse.

On the same day, a customer's wallet, containing credit and identification cards, was taken from a purse at Panera, 15040 W. Greenfield Ave. Unauthorized charges totaling $979 were made on one of the stolen cards.

Police said similar incidents occurred Nov. 6 and 20 at the above stores and at Fresh Market, 15895 W. Bluemound Road.

Video surveillance footage shows a white man and woman attempting to use stolen cards at neighboring Target and Best Buy stores. Various descriptions of the people attempting to use the stolen cards have been provided.

Capt. Jim Adlam said shoppers can protect themselves by paying attention to where they keep their valuables.

"I've seen women walking away from carts with their purses in it," Adlam said. "I've also seen people leave valuables on the seats of their cars in parking lots. You are a target."

As of Monday, no arrests had been made in connection with the thefts.

Brookfield police urge anyone with information about the thefts to call (262) 787-3702.