MARCO ISLAND
An ordinary trip to the grocery store in Marco Island became a burglary on Tuesday.
One of the suspects pointed out ketchup on the back of her car. And with her attention diverted, suddenly, her wallet was stolen.
WINK News spoke with John Schneider, a Marco Island resident, about what happened.
“That’s not good. I wouldn’t expect that to be happening on Marco Island,” Schneider said.
Marco Island police said two people we part of a trio who used a distraction to steal from the woman. The victim was putting away her groceries when a man wearing a covid mask approached her in the Publix parking lot, telling her ketchup was on her bumper.
While distracted, another man opened her car door, snatching her wallet.
The Publix parking lot where the burglary happened. CREDIT: WINK News
Molly H., another Marco Island resident, talked to WINK News about what she does to stay safe in similar public scenarios.
“I try to be as aware as I can…and lock my car, and you know, I wear a Crossbody purse or keep things in my pocket. Those kinds of things, I try to be self-aware,” Molly said.
The female suspect, police say, was acting as a lookout in the parking lot.
A closer look at the two suspects in the burglary. CREDIT: CITY OF MARCO ISLAND
“I kinda like to think I’m aware, but maybe I’m not all the time. But that’s what I try and do just kinda be aware of my surroundings, that’s just where ever you go, anywhere,” Schneider said.
WINK NEWS