The first crime occurred on January 12, 2010 just after 2:00 P.M. at a membership grocery store located in the 2900 block of N. Tegner Road. The female victim was loading groceries into her vehicle with her back turned away from the shopping cart. A witness reported seeing an older white Acura Integra driven by a female drive by the victim. The male passenger of the Integra reached out the window and grabbed the victim’s purse.
The second crime occurred on February 2, 2010 around 5:00 P.M. at a discount grocery store located in the 1800 block of Countryside Drive. The suspect vehicle was described as a dirty white compact car. In this incident, it was the female passenger who reached out of the vehicle and grabbed the victim’s purse as the victim loaded groceries.
The suspects in both incidents were described as while male and female teenagers. Police are encouraging shoppers to secure their purses and other valuables in their vehicles immediately before unloading groceries. Patrol officers have been alerted to the suspects’ and suspect vehicle description.
Investigators are reviewing prior police contacts involving Acura Integra vehicles. Turlock’s Crime Prevention Coordinator has also alerted local Business Watch groups to alert managers to be on the lookout for their customers benefit.
Anyone with information about these incidents is asked to contact the Turlock Police Department Investigations Bureau at (209) 664-7334.
The Turlock Police Department is an active participant in the Crime Stoppers Program. Callers can leave an anonymous tip by calling Crime Stoppers at (209) 521-4636 and may be eligible for a cash reward.