DISTRACTION THEFT – ALTOONA, PA

On January 8, 2017 at approximately 12:15 p.m, a female suspect inquired about gold chains. The sales associate showed the suspect a gold rope chain. The suspect then asked to see a gold band. The sales associate allowed the suspect to be in possession of both items at the same time. Â While the suspect held both pieces, she directed the sales associate’s attention to other cases and to her children. The suspect left the store with both items. The theft was not discovered until the following day. The suspect appeared to be a 40-year Middle Eastern female. She wore a head scarf and was with two 14-year-old male children. If you have any information regarding the identity of this suspect, please call the Altoona Police Department at (814) 949-3364.