Crime & Safety
Pleasanton Police: Woman Targeted Older Shoppers
Prosecutors have charged a woman accused of racking up $5,000 in credit card charges after stealing wallets from older women's purses.
PLEASANTON, CA — A woman faces charges this month in connection with thefts involving older Pleasanton shoppers, Pleasanton police announced.
Breonna Richard, 29, was charged with elder abuse, identity theft, burglary and credit card theft, court records show.
Richard was no longer in custody as of Monday afternoon. The district attorney's office filed charges against her April 6, court records show.
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Richard is accused of engaging older victims in conversation, then stealing their wallets from their purses while they were distracted, police announced Monday. She allegedly made at least $5,000 in credit card charges in at least four separate incidents spanning five months, police said.
Police said they uncovered evidence of fraud in cases across the country after Richard's arrest.
Find out what's happening in Pleasantonfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
Patch was unable to identify an attorney representing Richard to speak on her behalf.
Officers ask people to secure their belongings and stay alert.
The investigation remains ongoing. Anyone with additional information may call 925-931-5100.
See also: Pleasanton Shoppers Warned To Keep Eye Out For Thieves
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