Suspects wanted after video shows woman being pickpocketed at a grocery store in Gastonia

GASTONIA, N.C. (QUEEN CITY NEWS) — Gastonia Police now say four men were behind the pickpocketing of a woman at a grocery store.

The theft happened Sunday afternoon, September 8, 2024, at the Publix on Hoffman Road.

Security camera video released by Gastonia Police showed two men participating in the theft. One watched as the other reached into a woman’s purse and walked off within a matter of seconds, as the victim was looking at food.

Police said another person was seen on camera, assessing potential targets and the security of the store. At the same time, another used the stolen cards later to buy around $2800 in gift cards from another store.

The victim did not notice her cards were missing until she went to the grocery store’s checkout and then noticed a series of notifications about purchases being made with the stolen cards.

A report indicates her driver’s license was stolen, in addition to whatever cards she had with her.

Police said the suspects appear to be in their 40s.

Shoppers at the store told Queen City News that they were surprised by the incident.

“This is a pretty peaceful area,” said Luis Ortiz.  “You don’t hear about crimes too much, maybe a fire or an auto accident.  So, yeah, it’s surprising.”

Police noted that people should keep their belongings, including their wallets, closer to their person to avoid being a victim of a theft such as this, and noted that reports of similar crimes will likely increase towards the end of the year, as stores get busier.

“As holidays are approaching, there’s going to be more people in the store, but there’s going to be more opportunities for thieves to commit these kinds of acts, as well,” said Lt. Scott McClure with Gastonia Police Dept.

Anyone with any information on potential suspects is asked to call Gastonia Police.

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