John J. Bryfonski, Chief of Police
55 Constitution Drive
Bedford, NH 03110
For Immediate Release
Thursday, Aug. 23, 2018
Media Contact: John Guilfoil
Phone: 617-993-0003
Email: john@jgpr.net
Bedford Police Investigating Purse Thefts at Businesses
BEDFORD, N.H. — Chief John J. Bryfonski reports that the Bedford Police Department is investigating two purse thefts from businesses on Colby Court yesterday.
The thefts are believed to be unrelated and police are asking for the public’s help in identifying four individuals who are believed to have worked together in one of the incidents.
At approximately 2:30 p.m., police responded to Panera Bread, 7 Colby Court, after a woman reported that her purse was stolen.
Surveillance footage inside the restaurant showed at least four people that appeared to “case” the business and worked together to steal the victim’s purse.
The investigation further showed that the victim’s credit cards were subsequently used in Manchester to make fraudulent purchases of thousands of dollars worth of electronics. The group also attempted to use the credit cards at the Bedford Target.
The vehicle they were in is described as a newer silver Ford Explorer.
Anyone who recognizes the individuals from the surveillance footage images is asked to call Bedford Police at 603-472-5113.
In a separate theft, at approximately 10 p.m. Wednesday, police responded to Walmart, 17 Colby Court, for a report of a woman in the parking lot who had her purse stolen.
When officers arrived, they spoke to the victim who had been loading her vehicle when the female suspect took the victim’s purse from the her shopping cart and fled on foot.
The female suspect is described as 5 feet 6 inches tall and in her 20s or 30s. She was wearing a black hooded sweatshirt and black pants. She was last seen on foot behind the Bedford Grove Plaza shopping center.
Bedford Police are actively investigating both of these incidents.
Chief Bryfonski would like to remind shoppers to not lose sight of their valuables and to report any suspicious activity they may notice inside of businesses or in the parking lots.
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