GJPD warns of new fraud

GRAND JUNCTION, Colorado (KREX) – Grand Junction Police are warning residents about a new scam.

An elderly lady reported the fraud to the GJPD after a man stole personal items from her car under the pretense of helping her.

The victim stated that a well-dressed man approached her in the parking lot of a store and told her that the tire on her car was flat.

While they were both checking the condition of the tire, another suspect allegedly reached into her car and stole her wallet.

Mary Speer, GJPD police dispatch technician, says that while situations like this are rare here in Grand Junction, it’s important to be alert.

“Any suspicious circumstance that comes to our attention, any theft, any fraud, is thoroughly investigated to the best of our ability. What concerns us in situations like this is that there are gangs of individuals traveling across the country, off the major highways and driving around the area. They steal multiple wallets from multiple people and then leave the area. They don’t usually stay in town very long, but we see them coming and going as they travel across the country. So it’s always a good idea to just be vigilant and no matter what the circumstances are or what time of year it is, just be aware of your surroundings.”

GJPD recommends that you contact police if you experience theft by filing a report online or calling (970) 549-5000.