Police investigating reports of scammers at Chesterfield Towne Center

CHESTERFIELD COUNTY, Va. (WRIC) — The Chesterfield Police Department is putting shoppers on notice about a possible scam reported at Chesterfield Towne Center in the Midlothian area last week.

At around 2 p.m. on Sunday, Sept. 8, a woman reported being approached by a man who told her that she had dropped something. While she was talking to him, she said another man approached and attempted to get into her locked car, after which she called police.

Officers at the scene spoke to another woman, who said her purse was missing after a similar interaction.

“Laws are getting tougher, and criminals are looking for easier targets,” said Corporal Craig Eckrich with Chesterfield Police.

The encounters happened at Chesterfield Towne Center, in the “At Home” parking lot near the intersection of Koger Center Boulevard and Mall Drive. Corporal Eckrdige said the best way to not become a victim is to not start out as one, which means not being distracted by your phone and keeping your eyes forward.

“I know I keep saying it over and over, but the biggest piece is situational awareness,” Eckridge said. “Be cognizant of your surroundings, see what’s going on around you and that can go a long way to prevent something from happening.”

Anyone who has been a victim of a scam in the county is asked to call Chesterfield Police at 804-748-1251.

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