Police warn of Trader Joe’s crime trend in East Bay

Ryan Mense
·1 min read

(KRON) — A crime trend is unfolding at Trader Joe’s stores in the Tri-Valley region of the East Bay. Grocery store patrons are having their wallets taken from their carts as they are left unattended while shopping, a warning shared by the Livermore Police Department said Thursday.

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In the recent crimes, “wallets were taken from unattended shopping carts or open purses while victims were shopping in the store,” Livermore PD said. The department offered several tips to the community on how to prevent these wallet thefts from happening:

  • Stay vigilant – Be aware of the people near you, especially when the store gets crowded in areas.

  • Secure your belongings – Keep your wallet in a front pocket or zipped bag that’s close to your body.

  • Minimize distractions – Stay focused and avoid checking your phone or getting lost down aisles away from your cart and wallet.

  • Avoid leaving items unattended – Never leave your wallet or valuables unattended, even just for a moment.

  • Trust your instincts – If you notice something suspicious or something feels off, notify the store or security.

Livermore police did not say how many thefts have occurred in this crime trend or what specific Trader Joe’s locations have been targeted by thieves. There are four locations across the Tri-Valley in Livermore, Danville, San Ramon and Pleasanton, according to the company’s website.

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