An 83-year-old woman was doing her shopping at a Winnsboro Dollar General when a stranger struck up a conversation with her. By the time she walked away, her phone and wallet were gone.
The Fairfield County Sheriff’s Office has now arrested two people in the case.
How the theft happened
According to the sheriff’s office, the woman was shopping at the Dollar General in Winnsboro on Sept. 24 when a woman approached her and started talking with her.
While the 83-year-old was distracted, investigators say a man reached into her pocketbook, which was sitting in her shopping cart, and took her phone and wallet.
The two then left the store together in the same vehicle they had arrived in.
Card used soon after
Shortly after the theft, the woman’s bank card was used at a nearby convenience store to take out cash in two separate transactions, according to the sheriff’s office. Investigators say the card was also used for other unauthorized purchases.
Officials have not said how much money was taken.
Arrests
Investigators identified the suspects as Shante Nicole Young and Brian Jarrell Watkins, both of Winnsboro. Deputies said they were able to identify them with help from Winnsboro Public Safety, along with surveillance video, the vehicle they used, and interviews.
Both have been arrested. The sheriff’s office has not released their ages or the specific charges they face.
Young and Watkins are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.
How to protect yourself from distraction theft
The sheriff’s office is reminding shoppers to keep purses, wallets and valuables secured and within reach, especially if a stranger approaches or tries to distract them.
A few simple habits can help:
- Don’t leave a purse sitting open in a shopping cart. Keep it zipped and on your shoulder, or loop the strap through the cart’s child seat.
- Be cautious if a stranger starts a long conversation or asks for help while someone else lingers nearby.
- Keep your phone and wallet in a front pocket or zipped bag, not an open tote.
- If your card is stolen, call your bank right away to freeze it. Many banks let you lock a card instantly from their app.
- Check on older family members and share these tips with them. Thieves often target seniors.
How to share information
Anyone with more information about this case is asked to contact Lt. Barry Gilbert at the Fairfield County Sheriff’s Office at 803-635-4141.
Source: Fairfield County Sheriff’s Office, as reported by WIS
