Surveillance Video Shows Alleged Serial Pickpocket In Action
(CBS) -- Police believe one woman was behind a trail of pickpockets across Chicagoland and even downstate before her crime spree came to an end in Park Ridge.
CBS 2's Roseanne Tellez reports police have been looking for 28-year-old Stacy Blackwell since 2011 and if you dine out and carry an open purse, they say she was looking for you.
Surveillance video from a Five Guys restaurant in Park Ridge shows how the scam works. Her male accomplice, who police have not yet identified, is seen scooting his chair closer and closer to a woman behind him. He then reaches into her purse.
"She has no idea and the woman sitting with her has no idea," said Detective Tim McEwen.
Within minutes, the two show up at a Shell Station in Mt. Prospect. Blackwell buys snacks and tries to buy gift cards with the stolen credit cards.
Although police say she's done it numerous times before, the clerk asked for ID, nixing her plan, but giving police another clear shot of their suspect.
Park Ridge shared information with several suburban police departments- until Blackwell was found and arrested.
If you carry a purse, Detective McEwen has a warning for you.
"Anybody can be victim… you gotta be vigilant, know your surroundings, keep purse your purse close to you, keep it zipped up," he said.
Blackwell is charged with a class x felony for organizing a financial crime enterprise. She could face numerous other charges all around the Chicago area.
