Reno police have released photos of a grocery store burglar suspect that grabs wallets from unsuspecting elderly female shoppers while their heads are turned. In some cases he even chit chats with them before dipping his hand into their purses.

The Reno Police Department has received three recent reports of thefts of women’s wallets out of their purses at various grocery stores in the Reno area. Two of the stores are in the Northwest area of Reno and the other is in the south area of town.

Police say in all three cases the victims were elderly females who had their purses in the child seat area of their shopping carts. In two of the cases the suspect engaged the victims in small talk and while they were distracted he was able to steal the wallets. He then went to a nearby store and used the victim’s credit cards.

Police describe the suspect as being a white male in his fifties, grey hair, approximately six feet tall with a thin to medium build. In one case he was described as being clean shaven and nicely dressed.

RPD would like to remind the public to always keep their valuable items under their immediate control as these cases demonstrate how quickly valuable items can be taken even in a normally safe environment.

RPD is also asking that anyone with additional information call Secret Witness or the Reno Police Department. Additionally, if anyone else has been a victim of a similar crime and has not reported it then RPD is encouraging them to report the theft. Reports can be conveniently made at www.reno.gov.

Secret Witness is offering a $500 reward for information leading to the arrest and prosecution of the suspect connected to these thefts.