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Gang of thieves working in Fishers, police say

(WISH Photo, File)

FISHERS, Ind. (WISH) — A gang of thieves is operating in Fishers, the police department said Wednesday.

Earlier this month, a patron of the Panera Bread, 8510 E. 96th St., reported her wallet was stolen while she was dining at the restaurant. A credit card from the wallet was used to buy $5,000 in gift cards from Super Target near 116th Street and Interstate 69.

Fishers Police Department said in a news release that detectives believe the suspects are members of a well-organized theft gang operating across the nation. The gang members normally operate in groups of two or three. They are normally well-dressed and use rental cars to better blend in to upscale communities. They specifically target lunch eateries located near large retail stores. Most of their victims are female and usually involve thefts from purses or large handbags.

Anyone with information regarding this crime should contact Fishers police Detective Dan Nelson at 317-496-2610.

The department offered safety tips:

  • Always stay alert.
  • Be aware of your surroundings and avoid becoming easily distracted (i.e., cellphones, laptop computers).
  • Download the Relay App at www.Relayapp.com and immediately report suspicious activity.
  • Always keep valuables visible.
  • Purses and handbags should be held in your lap. Never hang your bag over the back of a chair.
  • Make certain purses and handbags are kept closed. Zipper style bags are preferred.
  • Set up fraud alerts on all credit and debit cards.
  • Immediately notify the police if you think you have become a victim. Do not wait until you get home. Time is critical in these cases. The sooner the police are notified the better the chance is the criminals will be caught. 

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