Woman sought in Santa Clarita Valley shoppers' credit card thefts

Authorities are looking for a woman they suspect of stealing wallets from three women as they shopped in the Santa Clarita Valley, later using their credit cards to buy jewelry and get cash.

Three women reported their wallets were stolen from their purses in separate incidents Saturday as they shopped at various grocery stores, the L.A. County Sheriff's Department said in a statement.

Following the thefts, the victims’ credit cards were used to purchase expensive jewelry and withdraw cash from various banks, authorities said.

An investigation revealed a woman driving a silver Cadillac SUV with temporary license plates had posed as the victims, using their driver's licenses to commit the fraud. Sheriff’s officials said two of the victims may have been targeted because they bear a resemblance to the suspect. 

Sheriff’s officials said later that evening the suspect, who was accompanied in her car by an unidentified man, used the stolen credit cards to buy gas for the Cadillac and another car. Authorities described this vehicle as a black four-door but didn't reveal a model.

It was driven by unidentified person, who the first two suspects met at the gas station, authorities said. They believe the three may be responsible for other similar crimes in the Santa Clarita Valley area.

Anyone with information is asked to call authorities at (661) 255-1121.

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-- Ann M. Simmons in Santa Clarita

Photos: Surveillance photo of woman suspected of stealing three victims' purses and using their stolen credit cards. Credit: Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department.