SHERRI BEVAN WALSH

Prosecuting Attorney

County of Summit

October 14, 2011

ALERT!

One of my employees recently told me of a disturbing crime committed at her church. One morning, a man outside the church claimed that he had ridden his bike to Akron in search of diapers for his baby. He asked everyone he saw to help him out until one member found some diapers in the church. The man was very thankful and even stayed for part of the service.

While the man distracted the congregation with his sob story, his girlfriend was searching the parking lot for an unlocked car. During the service she found an unlocked vehicle with a wallet and extra key hidden inside. The two thieves stole the car and were arrested four days later, but by then they had already charged $1,000 on the credit cards they found in the wallet.

This is a prime example of why you should never leave your wallet in your car, even when you think you are in a safe place. The couple whose car was stolen thought they had locked the car doors. By leaving a wallet inside, the thieves had access to a car key, credit cards and the victims’ home address. Never leave personal belongings in your car.

Stay safe,

Sherri Bevan Walsh

Summit County Prosecuting Attorney

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