Crime Stoppers
HAMMOND, LA - April 11, 2019 - Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff Daniel Edwards warns residents of car thief targeting unsuspected gym patrons.
What we know thus far is that someone is breaking into cars while residents are patronizing local businesses, goes through the owner's belongings, and is only taking one or two credit/debit cards from the unsuspecting victim. Unfortunately, most don't even know they've been burglarized until they attempt to use their card or subsequently see thousand's of dollars of purchases charged to their accounts.
It began on April 2, 2019, as the Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff's Office and the Hammond Police Department began receiving multiple complaints from citizens reporting that their credit or debit cards were taken from their wallets and used to make excessive unauthorized purchases. Through joint investigations and efforts, it has been discovered the perpetrator(s) primarily targets elderly men who are going to the gym during the early morning hours. However, please don't be fooled. Thieves don't discriminate and anyone could be a target.
The investigative findings of these investigations have lead detectives to the unknown female in the attached photo. TPSO Detectives Michael D'amato and Travis Pitman, who are partners with the Secret Service Louisiana Cyber & Financial Crimes Task Force, were able to recover security camera footage from the Target store in Harvey, LA. that indicates the unidentified female as someone who is connected to these investigations. There is reason the believe she is a resident of Jefferson Parish and may live in the Westbank area.
If you recognize her or have information related to these crimes, please call Crime Stoppers. It's EASY and they pay in CASH. Simply use one of the anonymous tipping methods listed below. You aren't even required to give your name to be eligible to receive a cash reward. The Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff's Office would also like to remind residents to please lock your car doors and if you must leave your valuables behind, hide them. The best thing to do while going to the gym is to carry your belongings with you and place them in secured locker.
To report a tip, use one of the options below.
» Adults Call Toll Free: 1-800-554-5245 (JAIL)
» Web Tips by clicking the “P3” icon or “Submit a Tip” tab on our home Page: www.tangicrimestoppers.com
» Facebook Tips by clicking the “Submit a Tip” tab on our CST FB page: www.facebook.com/tangicrimestoppers
» Download our FREE “P3” App by Anderson Software in the iTunes and GooglePlay
